Flag day hardly receives any attention these days. It is overshadowed by the bigger celebrations, the 4th of July and Pioneer Day. But one Utah business would like children to celebrate our country's flag, and wants to do so by trying to pass out a flag to every child in their city. Miles Bell, owner of Dave's Auto Center in Centerville and Layton, says "I remember learning to love the flag as a child. I loved the respect the flag received as a boy scout, and vividly recall how it inspired me when we retired several flags in ceremony".
It is fitting that flag day is thought to have developed with school children back in 1885. A school teacher, BJ Cigrand, arranged for the pupils in the Fredonia, Wisconsin Public School, to celebrate the flag on June 14th to recognize the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777.
Later, inspired by three decades of state and local celebrations, Flag Day was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson's proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14 of each year as National Flag Day.
Miles states that he hopes in some small way he can help children in his community to reflect upon the meaning of the flag as he passes out flags to children the week before June 14th. Please stop by for a free flag at either location. 335 S Frontage Road in Centerville, or 1365 N Main in Layton. The website has informative articles, videos and more at davesautorepairutah.com.