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Flag Day 2026: America Celebrates 249 Years of the Stars and Stripes June 14

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4 months ago

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Americans across the country will celebrate Flag Day on June 14, honoring the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States.

Flag Day commemorates June 14, 1777, when the Second Continental Congress approved a resolution establishing an official flag for the newly formed nation. The resolution stated that the flag would feature thirteen alternating red and white stripes and thirteen white stars on a blue field representing a new constellation.

This year marks the 249th anniversary of the American flag, making one of the nation’s most recognizable symbols nearly two and a half centuries old.

Although Flag Day is not a federal holiday, communities nationwide mark the occasion with ceremonies, patriotic displays, parades, and educational programs recognizing the history and significance of the American flag.

The observance gained national attention in the late 19th century through the efforts of teachers, veterans, and civic organizations who advocated for a day dedicated to the flag. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day. Congress later designated the date as National Flag Day in 1949.

The American flag has served as a symbol of freedom, unity, and resilience throughout the nation’s history. From military service members and first responders to schools and civic institutions, the flag remains a powerful representation of the values and ideals of the United States.

While the flag itself is 249 years old, the current 50-star version of the Stars and Stripes is 66 years old. It became the official flag of the United States on July 4, 1960, following Hawaii’s admission as the nation’s 50th state. The 50-star flag is also the longest-serving version in American history, having remained unchanged for more than six decades.

Many Americans choose to display the flag outside their homes and businesses on Flag Day. The U.S. Flag Code encourages citizens to treat the flag with respect and outlines guidelines for its proper display and care.

As the Stars and Stripes fly across cities, towns, and neighborhoods on June 14, Flag Day serves as a reminder of the nation’s history, the sacrifices made by generations of Americans, and the enduring symbol that continues to unite the nation.

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Events

Rockland County Free Fall Festival Returns to West Nyack Oct. 18

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23 hours ago

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October 14, 2026

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The Historical Society of Rockland County will host its 13th Annual Fall Festival on Sunday, October 18, bringing a day of family activities, live entertainment, historic demonstrations and Revolutionary War reenactments to West Nyack.

Presented in partnership with Heritage of West Nyack and the Town of Clarkstown, the free festival will take place from noon to 4 p.m. at 131 Germonds Road, adjacent to Germonds Park.

The event will offer visitors an opportunity to experience local history, explore traditional crafts and enjoy seasonal activities for all ages.

Revolutionary War History Comes to Life

One of the festival’s featured attractions will be an encampment by Heard’s Brigade of the New Jersey Militia, offering a look at military life during the American Revolutionary War.

Visitors can explore 18th-century tents and watch demonstrations of open-fire cooking, militia drills and musket firing. Revolutionary War skirmish reenactments are scheduled for 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

The festival will also feature tours of the historic Onderdonk-Tallman-Budke and Vanderbilt-Budke-Traphagen houses, along with a presentation by Clare Sheridan titled “Who Was Naut Kanniff? The Story of the Witch of West Nyack.”

Traditional craft demonstrations will include lacemaking by Mayra Petretti of the Metropolitan Chapter of the International Organization of Lace, Inc., as well as wool and flax spinning demonstrations by Celeste Sherry.

Family Activities and Fall Fun

Families can enjoy a variety of seasonal activities throughout the afternoon, including horse-drawn wagon rides scheduled from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The Horses R Us 4-H Club will offer pumpkin picking, decorating and painting, while Fred DePaul will present sheep-shearing demonstrations at 12:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Children can also take part in colonial-era games presented by Tom Hunt of Waterside Forge. Balloony Toony Entertainment will provide balloon animals, face painting and glitter tattoos.

Additional attractions will include free mini-golf, raffles, craft vendors and demonstrations. A pen-turning workshop hosted by the Hudson Valley Wood Turners will be available for participants ages 12 and older. Reservations are recommended, and interested participants can contact Len Stambler at Lstambler@gmail.com.

Live Music and Entertainment

Music will be part of the afternoon’s festivities, with balladeer Thaddeus MacGregor performing alongside Wee Jim the Limberjack. Additional musical entertainment will feature Scott Staton, Keith Olsen and Pat Keating.

Organizers invite residents and visitors to enjoy an afternoon celebrating Rockland County’s history, heritage and fall traditions.

Event Information

  • What: 13th Annual Fall Festival
  • When: Sunday, October 18, 2026, noon to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Historical Society of Rockland County, 131 Germonds Road, West Nyack, adjacent to Germonds Park
  • Admission: Free
  • Workshop reservations: Contact Len Stambler at Lstambler@gmail.com for the pen-turning workshop.

With Revolutionary War reenactments, historic house tours, traditional crafts, live music and family-friendly fall activities, the festival will offer visitors a chance to experience local history while celebrating the season.

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Events

Spirit of Sobro Returns October 2 for 5th Annual Celebration

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2 weeks ago

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September 30, 2026

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Celebrating its fifth year, this popular community event is getting bigger, with the festivities expanding to a second block this year.

The event will stretch from Depew to the gas station, creating additional space for vendors and entertainment. Organizers say 45 vendors are expected, along with street performers, circus sideshows, live music, a DJ, drumming and more throughout the event.

One tradition will remain in place: the Tarot salon inside Modern Druid, which will be open throughout the evening.

Organizers are encouraging the community to come out, support local vendors and performers, and help make this year’s celebration the biggest and most fun yet.

Bring your friends, spread the word and come enjoy an evening of music, entertainment, shopping and community.

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