THE SPACE ALIEN OBSERVES FLAG DAY

 The Space Alien loves special days, and one of these that will be here soon is Flag Day observed in the United States on June 14th.

The Space Alien scurried to the nearest public library to learn more about Flag Day.  Here is what the Space Alien learned: 

Flag Day is celebrated annually on June 14 in the United States to commemorate the adoption of the American flag on that date in 1777. It is not a federal public holiday, but rather a day of national observance where Americans honor the history, symbolism, and legacy of the Stars and Stripes. [1, 2]. (Please click on the footnotes for the sources).

History

• The First Flag: On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution stating that the flag of the United States should consist of "13 stripes, alternate red and white" and "13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation". [1]
• Official Recognition: Wisconsin schoolteacher Bernard J. Cigrand first proposed an annual flag holiday in 1885. Years of local and state campaigning eventually led President Woodrow Wilson to issue a presidential proclamation in 1916 establishing Flag Day. [1, 2, 3]
National Establishment: On August 3, 1949, President Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress officially designating June 14 as National Flag Day. [1, 2]

The Space Alien wanted to celebrate Flag Day and found these suggestions online:

Flag Day on June 14 is celebrated across the United States with patriotic observances that commemorate the Continental Congress's 1777 adoption of the Stars and Stripes. While not an official federal holiday, it is marked by community parades, flag-retirement ceremonies, displays of the flag at residences, and presidential proclamations. [1, 2, 3, 4]  (If you wish to review these sources please click on the footnote numbers).
Common ways Flag Day is observed include:
• Displaying the Flag: Citizens are encouraged to hang the American flag outside their homes, and the flag is traditionally flown at all U.S. government buildings. [1, 2]
• Community Parades: Many cities and towns host parades featuring marching bands, veterans, and civic groups to honor the flag's symbolism. Locations such as Fairfield, Washington, and Quincy, Massachusetts, are especially famous for their long-running celebrations. [1, 2]
• Flag Retirement Ceremonies: Organizations like the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) hold formal ceremonies to respectfully retire worn, damaged, or unserviceable American flags. [1]
• National Flag Week: The week containing June 14 is officially designated as "National Flag Week," during which the President issues a proclamation urging Americans to display the flag and reflect on its history. [1, 2]

The Space Alien found Your Editor's wallet and took enough money to go to a store to buy an American Flag to  display.  Your Editor was happy to support the Space Alien in this patriotic activity, and hope Loyal Readers will consider doing this as well!