| Special Message for Flag Day 2008 |
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| Department of Mississippi |
American Legion Auxiliary
'Pause For The Pledge' on Flag Day
On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress authorized the official flag of the United States.
Commemoration of this significant event, however, was slow in its development. Although the
"Stars & Stripes" first flew in a Flag Day celebration in 1861 in Hartford, Connecticut, the first
national observance of Flag Day did not occur until June 14, 1877, 100 years after the original
resolution establishing the nation's symbol.
Further recognition of Flag Day was on a low-key basis until 1949, the year when Congress
designated June 14 a national holiday.
In 1980, the traditional Flag Day observance was enhanced with the introduction of the "Pause for
the Pledge of Allegiance" as part of the holiday's ceremony at the Star Spangled Banner Flag House
and Museum in Baltimore, Maryland. This feature, under the direction of the National Flag
Foundation, has been repeated and its acceptance has grown continuously during succeeding
years.
The American Legion, which continues to fight for a constitutional amendment to protect "Old
Glory" from intentional physical desecration, is extending an invitation to the citizens of
Mississippi to participate in a simultaneous nationwide expression of patriotism and unity on
Thursday, Flag Day, June 14, 2007.
As part of its local observance honoring the flag of the United States, the American Legion Auxiliary,
Department of Mississippi, is asking all citizens to join the rest of the nation for the "Pause for the
Pledge" of Allegiance on Thursday, June 14.
Fly your Flag Proudly on Flag Day!
On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress authorized the official flag of the United States.
Commemoration of this significant event, however, was slow in its development. Although the
"Stars & Stripes" first flew in a Flag Day celebration in 1861 in Hartford, Connecticut, the first
national observance of Flag Day did not occur until June 14, 1877, 100 years after the original
resolution establishing the nation's symbol.
Further recognition of Flag Day was on a low-key basis until 1949, the year when Congress
designated June 14 a national holiday.
In 1980, the traditional Flag Day observance was enhanced with the introduction of the "Pause for
the Pledge of Allegiance" as part of the holiday's ceremony at the Star Spangled Banner Flag House
and Museum in Baltimore, Maryland. This feature, under the direction of the National Flag
Foundation, has been repeated and its acceptance has grown continuously during succeeding
years.
The American Legion, which continues to fight for a constitutional amendment to protect "Old
Glory" from intentional physical desecration, is extending an invitation to the citizens of
Mississippi to participate in a simultaneous nationwide expression of patriotism and unity on
Thursday, Flag Day, June 14, 2007.
As part of its local observance honoring the flag of the United States, the American Legion Auxiliary,
Department of Mississippi, is asking all citizens to join the rest of the nation for the "Pause for the
Pledge" of Allegiance on Thursday, June 14.
Fly your Flag Proudly on Flag Day!
