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The origin of Flag Day has a meandering history. On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted this resolution about the first flag: “That the flag of the United States shall be of thirteen stripes of alternate red and white, with a union of thirteen stars of white in a blue field, representing the new constellation.” A flag of that design was carried at the Battle of Brandywine in September 1777, and there were several observances of a “flag day”100 years later. But it was only the mid-20th century that a national observance of the adoption of the flag was formalized. The US Department of Veterans Affairs website notes: “Both President Wilson, in 1916, and President Coolidge, in 1927, issued proclamations asking for June 14 to be observed as the National Flag Day. But it wasn’t until August 3, 1949, that Congress approved the national observance, and President Harry Truman signed it into law.”

The number of stars on the flag grew as the United States grew. The flags that fly over Williamsburg today have 50 stars representing the 50 states and 13 stripes representing the 13 original colonies. Flags proudly fly at the Veterans Memorial year-round, with additional paths of flags added for Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The flag is carried with care in every parade that is part of the commemorations. In the cemeteries around town, flags honor the graves of those who have served their country with courage and fortitude. Flags are respectfully hung along the central town roads for national holidays and important local ceremonies. The flag flutters daily outside the Anne T. Dunphy School. The flag was a fixture at the North Main Street Fire Station. Flags fly at the town signs on Route 9 and at the Town Offices. Flags fly inside and out of our public and cultural buildings. The flag hangs outside local businesses like the Williamsburg Market. Flags fly outside the homes and in the gardens of many townsfolk, in pride of place. And flags fly in town at half-mast in tribute and mourning.

June 14th in National Flag Day. Look around. You will see flags flying in Williamsburg and Haydenville. Daria D’Arienzo, Meekins Archivist and photographer. #throwbackthursday; #tbt.

Posted to Facebook 6/13/2024

american flags hang from utility poles along a street with flower beds, green grass, and road signs visible in the background at dusk.
a walkway lined with small american flags leads to a memorial, with several flagpoles and buildings in the background on a sunny day.
several american flags are placed on gravestones in a cemetery, with trees and autumn foliage in the background.
an american flag flies at half staff in front of a white historic building with a cupola, under a clear sky.
williamsburg market storefront with american flags, a sign advertising local produce, and an outdoor seating area with a yellow umbrella under a partly cloudy sky.
four people march in a parade holding the american flag, a blue military flag, and a black flag, with bystanders seated along the street in front of a white building.
a street scene shows american flags and houses decorated with patriotic bunting on a sunny day with a blue sky.
an american flag hangs outside the williamsburg fire department engine house number 1, with a fire department emblem numbered 68 above the entrance.
a small garden bed with yellow and orange flowers, surrounded by rocks, five american flags, and several star patterned pinwheels.
a small american flag and a round metal marker with "u.s." inscribed, placed among grass and rocks in an outdoor setting.
an american flag hangs outside a building with a tall clock tower, as sunlight shines brightly in the background.
large decorative planter with red flowers and greenery, flanked by two small american flags, set in a mulched garden area with trees and buildings in the background.
a small american flag is mounted on the red exterior of a wooden building with a window, a door, a heart shaped wreath, and a hanging basket.
a u.s. flag flies at half staff in front of a beige building with white windows and a brick foundation, with leafless trees in the foreground.