flag day was first celebrated throughout the country in 1885 as one early supporter, bernard cigrand of wisconsin -- a wisconsin school teacher, wanted june 14 to be known as flag birthday. the idea quickly caught on and many wanted to participate. in 1894 the governor of new york asked that all public buildings fly the flag on june 14 to begin observing flag day. and in 1916, president woodrow wilson proclaimed flag day as a national celebration. however, the holiday was not officially recognized until 1949 when president harry truman signed the national flag day bill. since the beginning of our republic, americans have flown the flag to show their appreciation and pride for this great nation. every day americans pledge their allegiance to the flag and the troops carry their flag as they defend the liberties which they stand and which represent this country, the united states of america. our flag day we remember -- on flag day we remember the importance of our oldest national symbols and reflect the loss of loved ones who have died in defense of this great nation. let us pledge alle