Community Corner
Origin of Flag Day is Rooted in Western PA
Flag Day, which celebrates the adoption of the American flag, is today.
The symbolism behind Flag Day goes beyond typical patriotism for people living in Collier Township.
That’s because many consider Rennerdale the “Home of Flag Day” after prominent resident William T. Kerr lobbied for it to become a national holiday.
Kerr lived in the township from 1911 to 1928, all while overseeing the Flag Day Association of western Pennsylvania. The self-proclaimed "Father of Flag Day" started the group in 1888 and worked as the association’s president for 50 years.
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What began as “Flag Week” in the early 1900s soon became something more when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed in 1916 that Flag Day would be celebrated on June 14.
Years later, President Harry Truman officially made it a national holiday in 1949 with Kerr at his side.
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