Flag Day
A Flag Day is a holiday set up to commemorate a nation’s adoption of a flag or a special day designated to fly a certain flag such as a national flag. Flag days are often codified in legislature or declared through a decree issued by the head of state. A legislature or a decree may specify how a flag is to be flown, where it can be flown and when the holiday is set.
Almost all nations in the world have their own Flag Days. The different ceremonies and activities carried out during these special holidays differ from one country to another.
Specific Flag Days
United States of America – June 14
The 14 th of June is designated as Flag Day in the United States to commemorate the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 or the day America adopted its flag. It was first proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson on May 30, 1916. This was later established by President Truman by signing an Act of Congress on August 3rd, 1949.
American citizens from all over America observe this event, although Flag Day has not been declared as an official federal holiday. The week of June 14 is declared as a “National Flag Week” wherein the president issues a proclamation urging American citizens to fly the nation’s flag for the entire week. All government buildings are also required to display the flag. Some organizations and institutions hold parades and events to commemorate this event.
Canada – February 15
The 15 th of February is designated as the National Flag of Canada Day. It was declared by Governor-General Georges Vanier on February 15, 1965 to commemorate the inauguration of the national flag of Canada, the Maple Leaf. An Order-in–Order Council from Governor General Roméo LeBlanc institutionalized the Flag Day in 1996, through the initiative of Prime Minister Jean Chrétien.
This day is marked by a ceremonial flying of the flag, occasional public ceremonies, singing of the national anthem “O Canada”, fireworks and school programs. However, it has not been declared a public holiday till now.
Argentina – June 20
Día de la Bandera, or the Day of the National Flag, is celebrated on the 20 th of June in Argentina. It is a holiday dedicated to the Argentine flag and a day to commemorate its creator, Manuel Belgrano. June 20 is the anniversary of Manuel Belgrano’s death in 1820.
Celebrations for the holiday usually take place at the National Flag Memorial in Rosario, Santa Fe Province. It marks the spot where the flag was first hoisted on two artillery batteries on the opposite banks of the Paraná River. The celebration is marked by the attendance of the President, public meeting, speeches by the municipal and provincial authorities, a parade that includes members of the military, alklands Wa veterans, police force, and several civilian organizations.
Flag Days of the World
January 7 – Italy 11 - Norfolk Island 18 – Honduras 23 – Belgium 25 - South Korea 27 – Indonesia
February 15- Canada 19 - The Netherlands 24 – Mexico 25 – Bangladesh 27 - Antigua and Barbuda
March 1 – Mali St. Lucia 3 – Kyrgyzstan 12 – Venezuela 18 – Aruba
April 1 – Mauritania 2 – Azores 4 – Monaco 7 – Albania 20 – Venezuela 25 - Faroe Islands Swaziland 28 - Åland Islands
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May 1 – Austria 2 – Poland 4 – Bosnia 18 – Haiti 20 - Sudan
June 5 – Turkey 6 – Sweden 12 – Luxembourg 13 – Palau 14 – USA 20 – Argentina 21 – Greenland 22 – Finland 26 – Romania 30 – Portugal Tanzania
July 2 - Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles 17 – Norway 19 - Scania, Sweden
August 5 – Japan 9 – Gabon 15 – Sami 22 – Russia 27 – Liberia 29 – Spain 31 – India
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September 3 – Australia 5 – Mozambique 7 – Kuwait 25 - Cape Verde 28 – Thailand
October 11 - Uzbekistan 14 – Madagascar 18 – Chile 21 - Costa Rica 28 – Taiwan
November 4 – Panama 6 – Chad Dominican Republic 9 – Dominica 10 – Guinea 16 – Benin 17 – Morocco 18 - Solomon Island 19 – Brazil 21 – Congo 23 – Niger 26 – Colombia 27 – Paraguay 30 – Bolivia Vietnam
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