Photo by Sally Y. Hart.

We have national holidays celebrating the history of this country and the struggles that have been fought for liberty and freedom for Americans, but there is one holiday that is overlooked by some.

June 14 has been known as Flag Day since 1885, in honor of the adoption of the American flag.

Washington Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Vice Regent Julie Mangold explains the importance of Flag Day, “We’ve had thousands of men and women from this country who have died for that flag. It’s a symbol of our liberty. The flag itself was officially recognized in the form of the stars and stripes way back in 1777 by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, which is why June 14 is Flag Day. It’s been the symbol of this country from the beginning. We just feel it’s a very important symbol of this country and symbol of those who have given their lives for this country.”

The DAR is a nonprofit organization that serves their communities to preserve history, promote education, and foster patriotism. In previous years the Washington DAR has hung flags from different periods of U.S. history at the Alexander Young log cabin in Sunset Park. This year they promoted awareness of Flag Day with a float in the Ridiculous Day parade.