The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station joins the nation in observing Flag Day on Friday, June 14, and shares a brief history:

Today, we celebrate our American Flag. Our country’s most cherished symbol that represents our nation’s values. Values of freedom, patriotism, honor, pride, love for our country and the meaning of being an American.

Our flag is known by many names such as the Stars & Stripes, the Red, White & Blue and the Star Spangled Banner, but the one name that resonates the best with our American History is “Old Glory.”

On June 14, 1777, the Stars & Stripes were adopted as the U.S. flag. In June 1886, a teacher from Wisconsin, Bernard Cigrand, first publicly proposed an annual observance of the birth of the United States flag, “Flag Birthday.”

On June 14, 1894, thousands of children from public’s schools in Chicago celebrated Flag Day. Their gathering received national attention from countless U.S. Governors and the President of the United States.

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day. However, it was not recognized as a National Holiday until 1949 when President Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14 as National Flag Day.

So wherever you are, take a moment to celebrate this symbol of freedom.