Macon Reporter

Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Teutopolis) took to Facebook to acknowledge the significance of Flag Day on June 14.

"246 years ago today, Old Glory was adopted as the official flag of our great nation," Niemerg wrote. "Since its adoption, the American flag has proudly served as a symbol of freedom around the world. Happy Flag Day! Learn more here: (https://www.history.com/news/what-is-flag-day)"

Flag Day, observed on June 14, is a special occasion dedicated to paying tribute to the United States flag, which holds a remarkable and significant past. According to the History Channel, during the early days of the American Revolution, numerous flags were used by individuals in the fight for independence. However, it was in 1775 that the Continental Congress established the Continental Colors, featuring a flag with 13 red and white stripes along with a Union Jack in one corner. Later, in 1777, the Second Continental Congress decided that the flag should consist of 13 stripes and display 13 stars on a blue background.

On June 14, Paul Osborne, the editor, and publisher of the Decatur Tribune, shared a column revealing a handful of facts about Flag Day.

"In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14 as the official date for Flag Day, and in 1949 the U.S. Congress permanently established the date as National Flag Day," he wrote. "Flag Day is not an official federal holiday. Also, each year the U.S. president delivers an address that proclaims the week of June 14 as National Flag Week, and all Americans are encouraged to fly U.S. flags during this week."

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provided insights into the history of the U.S. Flag and highlighted that there are various claims surrounding the first Flag Day celebration. These include a celebration in Hartford, Conn., in 1861, a declaration by the state of Pennsylvania in May 1937 designating June 14 as a legal holiday, and patriotic ceremonies organized by Professor George Bolch in New York in June 1889, leading to the observance of Flag Day in all public schools by the state's Department of Education.

Niemerg, who assumed office in 2021, serves as the representative for the 109th District. He holds a bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois University, having previously attended Lake Land College. Additionally, he worked as a senior claims adjuster at Country Financial.