Flag Day - that American holiday that goes largely unnoticed - the step-child of the patriotic holidays, if you will.

It's not a popular notion today to honor the American flag is it?

And this is another reason I love homeschooling... we don't have to go along with popular notions about anything. We choose to honor our flag and honor our country and can incorporate that liberally into our children's home education!

After taking our children to visit Washington, DC, it lit a fire in us to incorporate more patriotism into our homeschool. We do this through books, music, and now activities surrounding patriotic days such as Flag Day.

The History of the American Flag

Just as our Nation has a fascinating and embattled history, so does her flag. Most of us have heard of the seamstress of our first flag, Betsy Ross. We've seen the flag fly on the moon. And we've recognized its importance of a symbol of unity when we see it at half mast.

Here are some additional interesting facts about the history of our flag:

The colors of our flag were designated with the Flag Resolution of 1777.
The color red in our flag symbolizes hardiness and valor.
The white of the flag symbolizes purity and innocence.
The color blue represents vigilance, justice, and perseverance.
Old Glory was the actual name given to an actual single (and very large) flag, last displayed in 2006.
The Star Spangled Banner, written by Francis Scott Key, was actually inspired by a real flag. This flag was flown over Fort McHenry in Baltimore in 1814 during 25 hours of British bombardment.

The History of Flag Day

In 1777, a Flag Resolution was passed that gave us the American flag we recognize today, with the alternating red and white stripes. Of course, we would grow the number of starts represented as new states were born.

Several individuals claim first rights regarding the celebration of Flag Day, but the first official Flag Day was established by President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916. June 14th, 1949, President Truman, via an Act of Congress, declared an annual National Flag Day.

21-Days from Flag Day to Independence Day

Flag Day itself actually falls as a single day within National Flag Week. From Flag Day, there are twenty-one days until Independence Day. This period of time is called Honor America Days.

This period of time makes a perfect summer homeschooling activity with a done-for-you theme! Following are 21 Flag Day and Honor America Days activities that you can use with your children.

No planning in advance is really necessary, you can pick and choose which ones work best for you. However, if you choose to do something every day, your children (and you!) will develop a deeper respect for our nation's heritage and arrive at a new appreciation for Independence Day.

Flag Day Activities

These Flag Day and Honor America Days activities cover a wide range of ages and skill levels. You're the mom- you can choose which ones will work for you, and how to alter them for your own use.

Start an Honor America's Days notebook and add a new fact, drawing, quote, or insight every day. (Use the FREE Flag Day Notebooking Pages!)
Learn how to correctly display the Flag.
Learn how to fold the Flag.
Research to find out the name of the type of study that is used to research flags. Do a word study on it.
Make a Flag Day cake out of cupcakes or another trusted recipe.
With parental guidance, research the internet to discover locations where the American Flag is flown 24 hours per day. Plot these on a map. Record any insights from your research in your notebook.
Color a picture of our Flag. You can choose from many variations during its development.
Watch Red Skeleton's meaning of the American Flag on video.
Memorize the Preamble to the Constitution.
Research the preambles to the consti tutions of each of the fifty states. (This free ebook requires an email opt-in.)
Make a patriotic pin wheel.
Make a tissue paper flag.
Choose a word search or vocabulary printable on Flag Day.
Enjoy some red, white, and blue popcorn.
Research and plan a visit to a parade honoring the Flag or our Nation.
Enjoy an outdoor BBQ with patriotic decorations.
Interview a veteran and ask them about a memory they have about the flag.
Plan to attend a fireworks celebration.
Visit the National Museum of American History's website for a fun quiz on the Flag. How many stars can you collect?
Create your own glossary of flag terms.
Enjoy honoring America with the SQUILT Summer Music Appreciation series!