by Jim Toes, STA President & CEO

Tomorrow is Flag Day, an annual commemoration in the United States that holds a special significance. It pays tribute to our nation’s flag — a powerful symbol of America and all it stands for.

While Flag Day traces its roots back to June 14, 1777, when the Second Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States, it wasn’t until 1916 that it was designated a national day of observance. As tensions escalated leading into World War I, President Woodrow Wilson recognized a growing sense of patriotism and national identity within the United States. In an effort to unite the nation and promote a sense of pride in American symbols, President Wilson issued a proclamation designating June 14 as Flag Day.

More than a century later, our flag continues to hold immense historical significance, symbolizing our nation and the values it represents. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless men and women to safeguard our ideals and is a unifying force, reminding Americans of our shared heritage. It inspires pride and patriotism for the masses. However, as President Wilson recognized, while “we honor our flag as an emblem of our unity, our power, our thought and purpose as a nation, it has no other character than that which we give it from generation to generation. The choices are ours.”

On this Flag Day, let us remember that while the steadfast constancy of our nation’s flag remains, it relies on the actions of everyday citizens to ensure its enduring importance as a beacon of hope and a reminder of our commitment to liberty and justice for all.