Assemblywoman Fiona Ma: Why We Honor Flag Day

June 14 is "Flag Day" and it commemorates the 1777 adoption by the Continental Congress of the first official flag of the United States of America. For 233 years, the American flag has flown as the emblem of our union, our national progress, and the promise that is America.

Early 20th century U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Evan Hughes said: "... the flag means more than association and rewards. It is the symbol of our national unity, our national endeavor ... . It tells you of the struggle for independence ... of the sacrifices of brave men and women to whom the ideas and honor of this nation have been dearer than life."

The origins of Flag Day go back to 1885, when a Wisconsin school teacher, Bernard J. Cigrand, asked for pupils in Fredonia, Wisconsin to observe June 14 as "flag birthday," or "flag day." In 1877, the government requested that the flag be flown from all public buildings to celebrate the 100th year of the flag's adoption.

Finally, on June 14, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that set aside June 14 for the national observance of Flag Day.

In 1949, President Harry Truman signed a Congressional act that made June 14 a national holiday.

Henry Ward Beecher, a 19th century preacher, orator and writer, said that when a thoughtful mind sees the American flag, it "sees not the flag only, but the nation itself and ... its symbols." Ê

Because the American flag is our most visible national symbol, Flag Day takes on added significance in times of tragedy, war or other catastrophes. While Flag Day is not a school or work holiday in California, the flag constantly serves as a reminder of what our nation stands for. For information on how to display the flag properly, please call my district office at (415) 557-2312.

Fiona Ma, who represents District 12, is the "whip" at the California Assembly.