Historic Flags to Fly Unfettered on Flag Day

Presidio of San Francisco (June 12, 2003) — Several historic U.S. flags will fly over the Presidio on June 14 at 11 am, heralding a lively afternoon of Flag Day festivities at Pershing Square on the Main Post, including a brassy musical salute to the 54th year of this little known American holiday.

A 40-foot Civil War-era flag, one from the War of 1812 and a 13-striped Grand Union Jack will be raised at the Main Post flag pole in honor of National Flag Day. The Top Brass Quintet will provide the musical backdrop for the afternoon of activities that include a history hunt for children.

The flags are part of the 100-flag Ben Zaricor collection which is currently on display at the historic Presidio Officers’ Club, which is located at 50 Moraga Avenue across from Pershing Square.

Flag Day is a result of the U.S. Flag Resolution, which was adopted on June 14, 1777. In the 1880s, local celebrations of Flag Day became popular, but it was not until 1916 when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day.

In 1949, however, President Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress designating the June 14 as National Flag Day.