Flag Day is a great time to introduce flag etiquette, flag ceremonies and more to the youth you work with.
You can use activities from Flag Day for Memorial Day, Independence Day and other patriotic holidays and events.
Steps
1. Observance.
Explore how the idea of Flag Day was introduced to President Woodrow Wilson and became an observance in 1916. Though Flag Day was an observance, it was not official until 1949. Find out more about the history of this holiday.
2. Flag.
The United States flag came about in 1777 with the 13 white stars for the original states. The holiday commemorates the adoption of the first flag. Trace the different versions of the flag over the years.
3. National Flag Week.
National Flag Week is the entire week where June 14th falls. Find out what activities are happening locally to support this holiday. Attend one, if possible.
4. Holiday?
Flag Day is not a holiday in all parts of the USA. As of 2010, only Pennsylvania recognized this holiday as a state holiday. They started observing this holiday officially in 1937. Find out if it is considered a holiday where you live. If not, what can you do to change that?
5. Etiquette.
Review the basics of flag etiquette in regards to the US flag. In the “Sites to Explore” below, learn about different ways to properly use a flag. Continue learning as you work through the next few steps as well.
6. Display.
Flags can be suspended, flown at full or half-staff, be displayed with other flags, hang at an angle from a building, be used in a parade and more. Review when each is appropriate and where you can properly display your flag.
7. Ceremonies.
Most people are familiar with a familiar flag ceremony or, at the least, honoring the American flag before a sporting event. Explore various ceremonies surrounding the US flag. Include a simple ceremony like the one on the supplement, Simple Flag Ceremony, or something more unique like the ceremony to retire a flag.
8. Folding.
Review how to fold a flag. Explore the meaning for each fold.
9. Readings.
During a flag ceremony, you can read an American poem or quote, sing an American song or use another inspirational item. Create your own collection of items you can add to create a unique flag ceremony.
10. Crafts.
Using the stars and stripes design, explore crafts you can do. This might include pinwheels, windsocks, SWAPs and more. Create a flag-based craft and share it with others.
Supplements
SUPP_Flag Day_2in_12up_larajla
- Avery 2” round label printable, 12 up
SUPP_Flag Day_Checklist_larajla
- Badge checklist
SUPP_Printable_Flag Day_Word_larajla
- Word list for Memorial Day
SUPP_Printable_Simple Flag Ceremony_larajla
- Basic ceremony for a meeting or event
SUPP_Puzzle Fun_SC_Flag Day_larajla
- Puzzle Fun: Memorial Day Scramble
SUPP_Puzzle Fun_WF_Flag Day_larajla
- Puzzle Fun: Memorial Day Word Find
Sites to Explore
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_Day_(United_States)
- www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/flag-day
- www.educationworld.com/holidays/archives/flag_day.shtml
- www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/flagday
- www.dltk-kids.com/usa/flag-day.htm
- www.pinterest.com/Artsy_momma/patriotic-crafts-for-kids
- www.pinterest.com/debchitwood/kids-patriotic-activities-u-s
- www.pinterest.com/coreilly786/flag-day
- www.marcleepson.com/flagbiography/29facts.html
- theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/articles/12-cool-facts-about-the-united-states-flag
- www.si.edu/spotlight/flag-day/flag-facts
- www.va.gov/opa/publications/celebrate/flagdisplay.pdf
- www.flagandbanner.com/flags/flag_etiquette.asp
Get the infographic here > larajla blog post
Get the PDFs of the badge program / supplements here > Full badge PDFs