Photo Gallery: The Flags of Oakland Township

In honor of Flag Day, Oakland Township Patch cruised the township in search of American flags. We found flags at Township Hall, in front of both fire stations, in front of schools and businesses, in cemeteries and on residents' front lawns.

What is Flag Day?

Flag Day, celebrated June 14 each year, may not be a federal holiday, but it has been a presidentially proclaimed observance day since 1916.

President Woodrow Wilson and President Calvin Coolidge – in 1916 and 1927, respectively – issued proclamations asking that June 14 be observed as Flag Day. On Aug. 3, 1949, Congress finally approved Flag Day, and President Harry Truman signed it into law.

Now, on June 14 of each year, "Americans are encouraged to display the flag outside their homes and businesses ... to honor the history and heritage the American flag represents," according to usa.gov.

How it all started

On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the following resolution: "That the flag of the United States shall be of thirteen stripes of alternate red and white, with a union of thirteen stars of white in a blue field, representing the new constellation."

The flag, of course, now comprises 13 alternating red and white stripes and 50 white stars on a blue field. The stripes represent the 13 original colonies, while each star represents one of the 50 states.

Additionally, each color of the flag represents certain values: Red represents valor and bravery, white represents purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.

There are also specific guidelines for flying the American flag; please see the attached PDF for more information.

If you have a photo of your own American flag on display, please add it to our gallery!