Today, on June 14, we celebrate one of the oldest symbols of our Nation: Our flag. Flag Day was first established in 1916 by action of then President Woodrow Wilson. The day commemorates the action of the Second Continental Congress who, on June 14, 1777, resolved that the Stars and Stripes would be recognized as the official design of the flag for the then 13 United States.
Several individuals and groups advocated for formal recognition of Flag Day throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, until action was taken by President Wilson in 1916 and later by Congress in 1949. The day is often acknowledged by parades, political speeches, special events and, of course, flying of the flag.
If you haven’t noticed, the City of Roanoke proudly displays the flag throughout the City—at the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, at each of our fire stations, the police station, and each branch of our library. Flags fly prominently on many of our bridges including Memorial Bridge and Gainsboro Road Bridge, and line Jefferson Street in downtown. And, of course, the Roanoke Star proudly shines red, white, and blue to celebrate Flag Day.
So, if you have a chance this week, take a look at one of the many flags flying throughout our community, grab a photo of the Star or, even better, fly the Stars and Stripes from your porch, balcony, or in your yard.
Those colors, stars, and stripes mean a great deal—one we should acknowledge proudly.
-- Bob Cowell