Kids Explore: Flag Day

June 14th is the celebration of Flag Day, which was established as an official holiday in 1916. It marks the day in 1777, when the men writing the Articles of Confederation (a precursor to the Constitution) passed a resolution that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white,” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” As new states came into the United States, the flag gained new stars. And here’s an interesting story: In 1958, a high school student from Ohio named Bob Heft redesigned the American Flag to have 50 stars, for a history class project. He sent his design to President Eisenhower, and in 1960, Bob was invited to the ceremony where the United States took on his design to be the flag we know today. (His history teacher changed his grade from a B- to an A, but not until President Eisenhower formally adopted the flag.)

Here are some fun activities kids can do to celebrate patriotism and the American flag, along with some resources to learn more:

Patriotic art and activities

• Color in some patriotic designs from BusyBeeKidsPrintables.com
• Try some of these printable games from EmbarkOnTheJourney.com
• Make festive, fluffy patriotic slime (Steamsational.com)
• Make a flag out of popsicle sticks (via thekindergartenconnection.com)
• Make a Statue of Liberty out of cardboard tubes with these instructions from A Little Pinch of Perfect
   

Have a patriotic snack

• Layer blueberries, plain yogurt and your favorite red berries (strawberries or raspberries) in a glass, for a red, white and blue treat.
• Make fruit skewers with blueberries, pineapple or banana chunks, and pieces of strawberry or watermelon.

Booklist

These books and resources celebrate the flag, patriotism, American history, and most importantly, the diverse and vibrant communities in our city and our country.