For many people, the United States Flag is a reminder of what this nation stands for and the freedoms so dearly fought for.

Two hundred thirty-six years ago today, the Continental Congress adopted a flag with 13 stars and 13 stripes. Our flag today has 50 stars, but the stars and stripes remain the same. And the flag is still a reminder of freedom and democracy.

Celebrating Flag Day began on June 14, 1885 when Bernard J. Cigrand, a 19 year old teacher at Stony Hill School, placed a 10 inch, 38 star flag in a bottle on his desk.

It wasn't until May 30, 1916 when President Wilson issued a proclamation calling for a nation wide observance of Flag Day that  Cigrand's lifelong dream of honoring our flag was realized.

So, Happy Flag Day to each and every one of you. Remember our forefathers and the men and women of this country that have never forgotten the value of freedom and the symbol of what we continue to fight for today.