On Saturday, we celebrate two birthdays: the Flag’s and the Army’s 250th!

Let’s start with the Flag. How did Flag Day originate?  The Veterans Administration has a history here. It notes that there are various claims as to the origination of Flag Day.  Here’s one of them:

In 1893, the Society of Colonial Dames succeeded in getting a resolution passed to have the flag displayed on all of the city’s public buildings. Elizabeth Duane Gillespie, a direct descendant of Benjamin Franklin and the president of the Colonial Dames of Pennsylvania, that same year tried to get the city to call June 14 Flag Day. Resolutions by women were not granted much notice, however, and it was not until May 7, 1937, that Pennsylvania became the first state to establish the June 14 Flag Day as a legal holiday. Flag Day is a nationwide observance today, but Pennsylvania is the only state that recognizes it as a legal holiday.

Several presidents issued proclamations about Flag Day, but “it wasn’t until August 3, 1949, that Congress approved the national observance, and President Harry Truman signed it into law.”  Here’s what the law says:

 The President has issued the Flag Day proclamation this year, and here’s part of what he said:

“Through every trial and triumph, the American flag has stood as an enduring symbol of courage, unity, and the unwavering belief that nothing will ever stand in the way of our beloved homeland, heritage, history, and values. This week, as we pause in grateful allegiance to our beautiful flag, we pray for God’s continued providence and protection. May the red, white, and blue forever reign over the greatest Nation in the history of the world — and may it always prevail over those who seek to tear it down.”

As I’ve done in previous years,  I suggest you read Joy Dunlap’s (my wife’s!) blog post “Flag Day, Fascinating Facts and Freedom”  to learn more about the Flag and Flag Day.  My bet is that you’ll pick up some interesting facts about Old Glory! 

She also offers her own reflections, and here’s a bit from her post:

I couldn’t say it better!

The Army’s Birthday!

On Saturday the Army will have a day-long celebration of its 250th birthday on the National Mall in Washington, DC.  The schedule of events can be found here.and here.  (Several events will be livestreamed.)  As the Department of Defense said:

“This event will give Americans the opportunity to meet soldiers, watch military demonstrations and explore Army hardware on display. There will also be an Army birthday parade, which will include 6,600 soldiers in historical and present-day uniforms.”

Also online is a photo  collection of “The Army’s 250-Year History Through Artwork at the Pentagon” – it’s very much worth a look.  A number of soldiers participating in the event commented:

“It’s definitely a big milestone for the country [and] for the Army, in general … for us to be out here and get to experience this once-in-a-lifetime [event],” [Army Sgt. 1st Class Timothy] Reid said. 

Many soldiers participating in the Army’s birthday week festivities said they hope the week’s events — particularly the upcoming festival and parade — will give the American people a positive impression of the service branch. 

“The Army has been a blessing in my life,” Heisler said, adding, “It’s great to let everyone see how great of an opportunity the Army is for a normal person to come out … and do some good work.” 

Reid said he hopes by providing the public with an opportunity to interact with soldiers and Bradley Fighting Vehicles, people will experience firsthand how well-trained and disciplined they are.

“This will probably be the first time for the general public to actually get to be able to see [the Bradleys],” Reid said. “[People will] get a closer look at them and [will] be able to ask us questions; so, they’ll see the professionalism and discipline of the military,” he added.

Happy Birthday Army!