Flag Day Celebrates Nation’s Independence, Principles

We celebrate Flag Day to commemorate the adoption of the American flag on June 14, 1777. The original flag displayed 13 stripes and 13 stars, which represented each of the colonies that had declared independence. Over the next two centuries, the number of stars in the American flag increased as the nation grew, finally capping at 50 when Hawaii joined the nation in 1959. 

As each star was added, the nation demonstrated its capacity to unite diverse groups of people around core American values. Each year, we celebrate Flag Day with a recommitment to our founding principles: democracy, liberty and independence. 

Democracy safeguards our liberty and independence in America. It’s through the democratic process that we have the right to choose our leaders, how we wish to worship and keep our government in check so our freedoms aren’t infringed upon.

A passionate commitment to liberty and independence has characterized Texas since the days of the Republic. Texans understand that we are better as a whole if each of our parts is strong. Our independent, can-do spirit is what makes the Texas economy one of the strongest in the nation. I hope Flag Day will inspire you to unify in renewing our commitment to liberty and independence.