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Today, millions of Americans observe Flag Day by waving Old Glory outside their homes and businesses. Veteran's groups and sometimes whole communities also arrange civic functions and special ceremonies in honor of Flag Day.

As the legend goes, it was George Washington and two other members of the Continental Congress who asked Betsy Ross to sew the first American flag sometime in the late spring of 1776. The young widow was only in her early 20's when she completed the first flag with thirteen stars arranged in a circle.

A year later, the Continental Congress officially adopted the design for the national flag, and henceforward the Stars and Stripes symbolized the U.S. around the world.

The first "official" Flag Day was celebrated in 1877 - the flag's centennial. Then, in 1916, a grass roots movement resulted in President Woodrow Wilson issuing a proclamation that called for a nationwide observance of Flag Day on June 14. It was not until 1949 that Congress made the day a permanent observance in America by resolving "That the 14th day of June of each year is hereby designated as Flag Day."

Below, find out more about the origins of the Star Spangled Banner and what it means to celebrate Flag Day at top sites on the subject offering American flag history, trivia, flag etiquette, activities, lesson plans and fun facts...

also see feature story -> Traditional Ways to Wave Old Glory

USFlag.org - An extensive clearinghouse of information and history on the American flag, an illustrated flag folding tutorial, graphics of all 50 state flags, origins of the Plege of Allegiance, patriotic songs and lyrics, educational resources, related links.

The Star Spangled Banner - Multimedia extravaganza from the American History Museum about the flag that inspired the U.S. national anthem and the people and events that surrounded it.

A Guide to the American Flag - Galleries of pictures illustrating the Betsy Ross flag, the Star Spangled Banner, the Civil War flag, and other American flags through the decades as well as state flags and those of U.S. territories & possessions.

Flag Day in America - Click around for related stories, fun facts and information, plus Flag Day crafts ideas, related trivia, links to Flag Day screensavers, desktop wallpaper, e-cards and more.

Education World Lesson Planning - A Salute to Flag Day! - Fun and easy ways to get kids interested in Flag Day with lesson ideas, interesting factoids, related links.

Lesson Plans Page - Flag Day - Dozens of ideas for activities, hands-on projects and songs to mark the day in the classroom.

Flag Day Celebrated - Brief, three-page history with historic photos, audio files.

also see -> July 4 Independence Day