Title
Recognizing and honoring June 14, 2015 as Flag Day in Philadelphia to celebrate and reflect on the importance of the flag of the United States.
Body
WHEREAS, The Betsy Ross House is the birthplace of the American flag, where Betsy Ross is widely credited with making the first American flag in 1776, and has been the site of Philadelphia's observance of Flag Day; and
WHEREAS, On June 14, 1777, the Stars and Stripes were officially adopted as the national flag of the United States; and
WHEREAS, In 1814, Francis Scott Key was inspired by the American flag flying over Fort McHenry to write our National Anthem, which continues to embody the American spirit of liberty today; and
WHEREAS, On May 30, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a Presidential Proclamation that officially established June 14th as Flag Day; and
WHEREAS, On June 14, 1937, Pennsylvania became the first U.S. state to celebrate Flag Day as a state holiday; and
WHEREAS, On August 3, 1949, President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day; and
WHEREAS, The American flag symbolizes the nation's highest ideals freedom, democracy, and self-determination; and
WHEREAS, All across the country, Americans pledge their allegiance to the flag of the United States. In addition, our troops carry the flag as they defend our nation's principles, and our nation remembers; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and honors June 14, 2015 as Flag Day in Philadelphia to celebrate and reflect on the importance of the flag of the United States.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Colonel Siegfried Honig, President of the Philadelphia Flag Association, further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
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