America celebrates Flag Day

Monday marks the 125th celebration of National Flag Day.

The holiday originated in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin. On June 14, 1885, a 19-year-old teacher placed a small American flag in a bottle on his desk. He then asked his students to write an essay about the meaning of the flag.

The teacher, Bernard J. Cigrand, spent many years advocating for the national observance of Flag Day. Over the years, 36 governors and five presidents urged the union to approve nationwide recognition of the holiday.

The Stars and Stripes was first implemented by Congress as the official flag of the United States on June 14, 1777.

President Woodrow Wilson named June 14 as National Flag Day in 1915. Cigrand was 50 years old.