The American flag is an international symbol of freedom and democracy. Its storied history is observed each year on Flag Day, June 14.

This year will be no exception aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), as Sailors take the day to reflect on their national ensign.

Flag Day was established through a presidential proclamation by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916. It was signed into law years later by President Harry S. Truman in 1949.

"The things the flag stands for were created by the experiences of a great people," said Wilson. "Everything that it stands for was written by their lives. The flag is the embodiment, not of sentiment, but of history."

Though several people are credited with creating the holiday, Bernard John CiGrand is recognized as the "Father of Flag Day" by the National Flag Day Foundation. CiGrand, a 19-year-old school teacher at the time, had his students write essays on what the flag meant to them. He dedicated himself to educating Americans on the real meaning of the flag and is said to have relentlessly pursued a national observance of the flag's birth.

The United States adopted the stars and stripes, June 14, 1777, when the Continental Congress passed a resolution that designated it as the official flag. Nicknamed "Old Glory," the American flag symbolizes the values of the nation. The resolution decreed that "the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white" and "that the union be 13 stars in a blue field representing a new constellation." The flag took its modern form, August 21, 1959, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered 50 stars to reflect the fully-formed United States. The stripes represent the original 13 colonies, while the 50 stars represent the 50 states of the union. The red symbolizes hardiness and valor, the white symbolizes purity and innocence, and the blue symbolizes vigilance, preservation and justice.

"The American flag is the essence of freedom," said Senior Chief Quartermaster Ephesus Hopkins., "not only to us, but to all of those who believe and desire freedom. The American flag is a light in the darkness."

Because the American flag represents so much, it is treated with the utmost respect. Naval vessels, including Abraham Lincoln, raise and lower the flag daily in accordance with sunrise and sunset, performing colors rituals that bring any Sailor outside the skin of the ship to attention. When an American flag is too tattered to be flown anymore, it is usually ceremoniously burned until no longer recognizable. However, Lincoln quartermasters came up with a different use for retired flags. They are given away, along with flag-flying certificates, as gifts for retirements and promotions, or for distinguished guests who have come aboard the warship. On a one-month underway, the ship typically retires two American flags.

"To me, the American flag is a beacon of hope," said Quartermaster Seaman Apprentice Steven Pettit. "Sometimes when I stay late painting bulkheads or scrubbing the deck, I look outside and see the flag, and it reminds me of what I am serving for."

Across the country, Flag Day is celebrated in different ways. One of the oldest Flag Day celebrations has taken place annually since 1909 in Fairfield, Washington. One of the biggest celebrations brings almost 50,000 spectators to Troy, New York, annually. Formal events aside, Americans all over the nation, including the crew of Abraham Lincoln, celebrate Flag Day by hoisting up their flags and showing their patriotic colors.

Alongside the military in every battle and every victory, the flag has reminded service members of the American spirit. It is a source of hope for troops and a warning of American strength to adversaries. Flag Day is a moment to pay homage to Old Glory as she flies with brothers- and sisters-in-arms around the world.

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