Our Flag

June 7, 2024

Flag Day is a holiday celebrated in the U.S. on June 14th. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day. On August 3, 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress.

Did you know the first flag that flew over our nation before it became free of the British Empire, where our state stars are, was a United Kingdom emblem? Our Flag can help you better understand how far we’ve come as a nation. It briefly describes the history of the American flag and sets forth the practices and observances appropriate to its display. The publication also features a Flag of States and Territories section.

Ideas for a joyful Flag Day celebration:

  • Display your flag proudly! Make sure it’s in good condition and flying correctly according to the U.S. Flag Code.
  • Learn more about the history of the American flag. There are many great resources online or at your local Federal Deposit Library Program (FDLP).
  • Play patriotic music and sing along!
  • Attend a local Flag Day parade or ceremony.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, National Flag Day is a great time to reflect on the meaning of the American flag and what it represents.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publications and Information Sales Office.

Images and additional content provided by Government Book Talk Editor Trudy Hawkins. Trudy is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).

Leave a Comment » | Congress, Libraries, Teachers and teaching, U.S. History | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Government Resources for July Fourth

July 2, 2020

This year, July Fourth will undoubtedly look a little different than usual. While many fireworks displays and other celebrations have been cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, there are still many ways to let freedom ring. That includes making a visit to GPO Online Bookstore for some patriotic publications.

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, inspiring Independence Day, a day for Americans to come together, celebrate their freedom and display patriotism. As is written by the National Archives, the Declaration of Independence “states the principles on which our government, and our identity as Americans, are based.” This document, which continues to be an inspiration for freedom and equality around the world, declared why the thirteen colonies considered themselves independent from Great Britain. Representatives from all thirteen colonies (New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia) signed the document. If you want to feel truly patriotic this year, you can purchase a pocket edition of the Declaration of Independence from the GPO Bookstore.

Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Independence (Pocket Edition) contains two core American democracy documents—the Constitution of the United States of America and the Declaration of Independence. This official primary source document outlines the framework of our National Government. Keep this handy pocket-sized document on you to exhibit your pride for your country … and to add a little patriotism to your already red, white and blue Fourth of July ensemble. This booklet also defines the ratification and amendment ratification process.

The Citizen’s Almanac from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services says “naturalized citizens have played an important role in shaping this country. From Alexander Hamilton to Albert Einstein, foreign-born Americans have contributed to all aspects of society—literature, motion pictures, public service, and athletics, to name just a few.” This almanac, available at the GPO Bookstore, offers information on the history, people, and events that have made the United States a beacon of hope and freedom to the world. This booklet will serve as a reminder of the important rights and responsibilities immigrants will have as a U.S. citizen and is perfect for anyone preparing themselves for taking the Naturalization Test to become a citizen of the United States.

GPO wishes you and your family a safe and healthy July 4th. Happy Independence Day!

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Visit our Retail Store: To buy or order a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up(s).

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Cat Goergen is the PR Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations office.

2 Comments | Civics and Citizenship, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. History | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins