* It is this resolution that is celebrated as Flag Day. Celebrations of the event began in the late nineteenth century, with the 1889 school program of George Balch, who ran a kindergarten for poor children in New York City, generally cited as the first such event. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed that June 14 should be observed as Flag Day. In a 1917 speech, President Wilson said:

We celebrate the day of the flag's birth, and from its birth until now it has witnessed great history, has floated on high, the symbol of great events, of a great plan of life, worked out by a great people.

*WHY IS THE AMERICAN FLAG FOLDED 13 TIMES?

Have you ever noticed on TV or at military funerals,
the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly
folding the American flag 13 times?
I've known how the 21 gun salute was determined
(adding the individual digits of 1776),
but only recently learned why the flag was folded 13
times when it is lowered or when it is folded and handed
to the widow at the burial of a veteran.
Here it is:

• The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
• The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
• The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the
  veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their
  lives for the defense of our country to attain peace
  throughout the world.
• The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as
  American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in
  times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine
  guidance.
• The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the
  words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with
  other countries, may she always be right; but it is still
  our country, right or wrong."
• The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our
  heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United
  States Of America, and to the Republic for which it stands,
  one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice
  for all.
• The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is
  through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our
  flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or
  without the boundaries of our republic.
• The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the
  valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of
  day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.
• The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been
  through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that
  the character of the men and women who have made this
  country great has been molded.
• The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has
  given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country
  since they were first born.
• The eleventh fold represents the lower portion of the seal
  of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews'
  eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
• The twelfth fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies,
  in the Christians' eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.
• The thirteenth fold completes the folded flag and the stars are
  uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust."
• After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on
  the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers
  who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and
  marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were
  followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces
  of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges
  and freedoms we enjoy today.