On June 14th each year, Americans come together to celebrate the anniversary of The Stars and Stripes. This tradition began in 1885 when schoolteacher BJ Cigrand organized a group of students to observe this special day with him - now known as 'Father of Flag Day', he continued to promote its celebration for many years after that. It wasn't until 1916 when President Woodrow Wilson issued an official proclamation declaring it a nationally-observed event, then over three decades later on August 3, 1949 was officially designated National Flag Day by Congress. Parades, ceremonies and picnics are held all around the country today thanks largely due to  contributions from Veterans groups such as the National Flag Foundation who continue striving hard at keeping alive traditions which pay respect towards our nation's symbol - Old Glory!