Flag Day is celebrated each June 14, to mark the day in 1777 when the Continental Congress chose the Stars and Stripes as the country's official flag. The day became widely observed nationwide after 1877, the centennial of the original flag declaration.
Today, many families and businesses display the flag outside their homes on June 14, so if you're strolling with your grandchildren, you could count them together. You can also use the day as a teaching opportunity:
- Explain that each part of the flag stands for something. The 50 stars stand for the 50 states. The 13 stripes stand for the 13 British colonies, which declared their independence on July 4, 1776.
- Discuss how, because the flag is special, we treat it with respect.
- Tell kids that the flag is just one way that we show the world what we stand for, and that it also shows that we are connected to one another — that we're on the same team. What other ways are we connected with one another? See what the kids can come up with. You may be surprised at what they have to say.
- And when you get back home, break out the crayons and let the kids take a crack at coloring a flag you can display on your own window ...
American Flag Coloring Page
A great way to celebrate Flag Day with the kids
Print the American Flag coloring page now »
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