PHILADELPHIA’S 2023 STRIPES AND STARS FESTIVAL COMMEMORATES JOINT BIRTHDAYS OF THE U.S. FLAG AND ARMY

Daylong festival to take place on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in Philadelphia’s Historic District

PHILADELPHIA, PA (June 1, 2023) – From star-spangled banners to five-star generals, Philadelphia celebrates the shared birthday of two of our country’s greatest institutions—the American flag and the U.S. Army. This year’s Stripes and Stars Festival commemorates the U.S. Army’s 248th anniversary and the American flag’s 246th birthday. The festival will take place on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at locations across Independence National Historical Park and Historic Philadelphia, including Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House, and the National Constitution Center. Events include flag raising ceremonies, a naturalization ceremony, a patriotic parade, a swearing-in of Army recruits, a dramatic skydiving performance, displays and demonstrations of U.S. Army equipment, giant flag folding activities, performances by the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, and a moving naturalization ceremony.

Most Stripes and Stars Festival events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted below.

Special Events

Naturalization Ceremony

10 a.m., Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street

As part of its annual Flag Day festivities, the Philadelphia Flag Day Association (founded in 1934) welcomes 13 new citizens who will take the Oath of Allegiance in a ceremony at the Betsy Ross House. All are welcome to join them in their first Pledge of Allegiance as new American citizens. Musical accompaniment will be provided by the United States Army Field Band Brass Quintet.

50-Star Flag Raising and Grand Parade
11 a.m., National Constitution Center Front Lawn, 525 Arch Street
Following a moving 50-star flag raising ceremony, troops—past and present—will join a patriotic parade down Independence Hall.

Stripes and Stars Festival Opening Ceremony
11:15 a.m., Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut Street
Stripes and Stars Festival partners convene at Independence Hall to celebrate the shared birthday of two of our country’s greatest institutions—the American flag and the U.S. Army. The ceremony includes musical performances, proclamations, and remarks from Maj. Gen. Rodney Faulk, and concludes with assembled Army recruits taking their oath of enlistment.

Team Fastrax Professional Skydiving Team
12 p.m., Independence Mall
Visitors on Independence Mall will have the opportunity to witness a spectacular skydive demonstration by the Team Fastrax Professional Skydiving Team.

Performances by the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum
Throughout the day, National Constitution Center Front Lawn and Independence Visitors Center

History comes alive with this performance by the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum. The musicians of this unit recall the days of the American Revolution as they perform in uniforms patterned after those worn by the musicians of General George Washington’s Continental Army—a proud tradition that began with the musicians of the Continental Army and continues today. Army vehicles and items will be on display at these locations as well.

Beyond the Flag with Betsy Ross 

1:45 p.m., National Constitution Center  

Included with National Constitution Center admission

Register Here to Watch Online 
Celebrate Flag Day with a special conversation featuring Betsy Ross. Betsy will discuss her career as a successful businesswoman, her support of the American Revolution, and the story of how she was credited with designing the first American flag. Visitors can join historic interpreter Carol Spacht to learn more about this beloved founding figure at this special program presented in partnership by the National Constitution Center, Historic Philadelphia, Inc. and the Betsy Ross House.  

Giant Flag Folding Challenge
3:45 p.m., National Constitution Center Front Lawn
The day concludes as festival visitors help fold a giant American flag.

All-Day Events

National Constitution Center Flag Day Celebration
10 a.m. – 5 p.m., National Constitution Center

Admission: Programs included with general admission
Visitors can enjoy arts and crafts activities, lawn games, educational programs on the history of the flag, and much more.

For a full schedule of events, visit https://constitutioncenter.org/calendar/flag-day-2023

Flag Fest at the Betsy Ross House

10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Betsy Ross House

Celebrate Flag Day and Philadelphia’s historic tradition of flag-making during the 16th Annual Flag Fest at the Betsy Ross House! This week-long event will highlight flag makers past and present and invites guests to try their hand as flag makers! The week culminates with Stars & Stripes Saturday June 17.  This daylong festival pays homage to turn-of-the-century celebrations with circus performances, puppet shows, carnival games and more. Admission is free each day for the first 100 visitors, courtesy of a Friend of the Betsy Ross House. Free admission is for walk-up guests only and does not apply to groups.

For a full schedule of events, visit historicphiladelphia.org

Flag Day at Independence National Historical Park

10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Signers Garden, Corner of 5th St. and Chestnut St.

Flag Day honors and commemorates the American Flag which represents our independence and unity as a nation. Stop by the Signers Garden to design your own flag. Test your knowledge of American Flag history. Win prizes!

For a full schedule of events, visit nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

Featured Stripes and Stars partner organizations include: the National Constitution Center, Independence National Historical Park, the Betsy Ross House, the Philadelphia Flag Day Association, the United States Army, the Association of the United States Army: Penn & Franklin Chapter, and Historic Philadelphia, Inc.
 
Origins of U.S. Flag and U.S. Army Commemorations

Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation calling for an official national Flag Day observance. Then in 1949, President Harry S. Truman signed an Act of Congress designating the 14th day of June every year as National Flag Day. The United States Army also celebrates its birthday on this date; Congress authorized “the American Continental Army” on June 14, 1775.