Stony Hill School in Waubeka, Wisconsin. The captivating story of how one Wisconsin teacher's passion ignited a nation's love for the Stars and Stripes!

How Wisconsin Put Flag Day On The Map: From Small-Town Schoolhouse To National Holiday

🇺🇸 The captivating story of how one Wisconsin teacher’s passion ignited a nation’s love for the Stars and Stripes! 🏫 #FlagDay #Wisconsin #Patriotic

WAUBEKA, WI – In the unassuming village of Waubeka, Wisconsin, a young schoolteacher named Bernard J. Cigrand sparked a movement that would eventually lead to the establishment of a beloved national holiday.

On June 14, 1885, in the one-room Stony Hill School, Cigrand asked his students to write essays reflecting on the meaning of the American flag. This simple act marked the first formal observance of what would later become known as Flag Day.

Students say pledge at American Flag

🇺🇸 The Significance of June 14th

The date chosen by Cigrand was no coincidence. It was on June 14, 1777, that the Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States.

The resolution stated that the flag should consist of thirteen alternating red and white stripes, with thirteen white stars on a blue field, symbolizing the union of the original thirteen colonies.

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✍️ Cigrand’s Tireless Advocacy

Following his initial Flag Day observance, Cigrand dedicated himself to promoting reverence for the American flag. He moved to Chicago and began writing extensively on the subject, publishing articles in various newspapers and magazines.

His passion for the cause led him to become the president of the American Flag Day Association, now known as the National Flag Day Foundation. Cigrand’s unwavering commitment to the flag was evident in the thousands of speeches he delivered throughout his 31-year campaign for official recognition of Flag Day.

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🎉 Waubeka’s Annual Celebration

Despite its small size, Waubeka has become synonymous with Flag Day celebrations. Each year on the second Sunday in June, the village comes alive with patriotic fervor. A parade featuring colorful floats, marching bands, and flag-waving citizens winds through the streets.

The festivities also include patriotic music performances and the reading of winning essays written by schoolchildren from across the nation, continuing the tradition started by Cigrand over a century ago.

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🏛️ The Americanism Center and Stony Hill School

In 1995, the National Flag Day Foundation established the Americanism Center in Waubeka. This 13,000-square-foot facility serves as the foundation’s headquarters and houses a museum showcasing an impressive collection of patriotic memorabilia, military uniforms, and artifacts related to Bernard J. Cigrand’s life and work.

The historic Stony Hill School, where Cigrand held the first Flag Day observance, still stands as a testament to the holiday’s humble origins. Restored in 1952, the one-room schoolhouse now functions as a museum and a gathering place for annual Flag Day celebrations.

American flag and blue skies

🎖️ A Symbol of Unity and Freedom

For many Americans, the flag represents more than just a piece of cloth; it embodies the spirit of the nation. As David Janik, the second-generation president of the National Flag Day Foundation, aptly stated, “On Flag Day, we’re celebrating the birth of our flag.”

The Stars and Stripes have witnessed the country’s triumphs and trials, from the victory at Iwo Jima to the resilience displayed in the aftermath of 9/11.

While Independence Day may be the more prominent holiday associated with the flag, Flag Day holds a special place in the hearts of those who recognize its significance. Waubeka’s annual celebration serves as a reminder of the flag’s enduring symbolism and the importance of honoring the values it represents.

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🗣 How do you celebrate Flag Day? Have you ever visited the Stony Hill School in Wisconsin? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️

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