How Americans Celebrate Flag Day: Traditions, Parades & Ceremonies

The History of the Pledge

The Pledge was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister and Christian socialist, for The Youth's Companion magazine. It was first recited by millions of schoolchildren on October 12, 1892, during the national Columbus Day celebration. The original version read: "I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." The words "my Flag" were changed to "the Flag of the United States of America" in 1923-1924 to avoid confusion among immigrants. The phrase "under God" was added by Congress in 1954 during the Cold War. The hand-over-heart gesture replaced the "Bellamy salute" (arm extended toward the flag) in 1942 after the latter's resemblance to the Nazi salute became problematic.

On Flag Day morning, communities gather at town halls, schools, veterans memorials, and public squares for formal flag-raising ceremonies. The flag is hoisted briskly to the top of the pole while participants face the flag, stand at attention, and place their right hand over their hearts. The ceremony typically includes the Pledge of Allegiance, the singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner," and remarks from local officials or veterans. According to the presidential proclamation issued each year for National Flag Week, all federal buildings are required to display the flag. Many state and local governments follow suit, and families across the nation hang flags on their porches and in their yards.

Flag Day parades are a cherished tradition in many American communities. Parade participants include veterans' organizations (American Legion, VFW), Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, marching bands, fire departments, local businesses, and community groups. Marching bands play patriotic marches. Scouts carry flags of all sizes. Veterans wear their service uniforms with pride. Children wave small paper flags along the parade route. The largest and oldest Flag Day parades take place in Quincy, Massachusetts (75th annual in 2026) and Appleton, Wisconsin (since 1950).

Congress has designated the week of June 14 as National Flag Week. Since 1966, the President has been required by law to issue a proclamation each year calling on Americans to display the flag during this week. The period from Flag Day (June 14) to Independence Day (July 4) has also been designated as a time to "honor the American spirit." During this period, flags fly from homes, businesses, government buildings, and public institutions across the nation. The tradition of widespread flag display surged dramatically after the September 11, 2001 attacks, when Americans across the country purchased and displayed flags in unprecedented numbers as a symbol of national unity and resilience.