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SALT LAKE CITY — Americans are donning their patriotic gear and showing off the American flag this week.
Flag Day is observed by many across the U.S. It may be overshadowed by larger patriotic holidays like Independence Day or Memorial Day, but it remains a time to remember some of the places the U.S. flag has been over the years.
Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress in 1949 to observe the adoption of the U.S. flag on June 14, 1777. The U.S. Army also celebrates the day as the Army's birthday.
For many, Flag Day lasts the entire week with celebrations and ceremonies to pay tribute to the flag. Utah Boy Scouts have organized a flag retirement ceremony in Provo on Monday, June 15.
The president has traditionally issued a proclamation encouraging U.S. citizens to fly the American flag for the week of Flag Day. Parades, flag retirement ceremonies and other patriotic events are all common ways to celebrate Flag Day.
President Barack Obama’s proclamation on Flag Day last year states it is “a time to celebrate our heritage in public gatherings and activities and to publicly recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the U.S.”
This photo gallery features Utahns throughout history celebrating the U.S. flag and their dedication to patriotism. It also includes some of the most iconic pictures of the U.S. flag from around the nation and world.
These pictures show some of the things people have accomplished with the U.S. flag at their side and the pride many U.S. citizens feel for their flag, nation and fellow Americans. Spencer Ricks is a KSL.com news writing intern and student at Dixie State University from Snoqualmie, Washington. Contact him at newsintern@deseretdigital.com.
