​Celebrating Flag Day

On June 14, 1777, the fledgling US got a huge PR boost when it unveiled its first national flag. Ever since that day, Old Glory has represented everything that America stands for: liberty and justice for all. And to celebrate those values, Americans observe Flag Day every 14th.

Let’s take a look at the origins of Flag Day, along with some great ways to celebrate everything Americans hold dear.

Origins of Flag Day

In 1916, during the height of the First World War, President Woodrow Wilson designated July 14 as Flag Day. Congress followed suit 33 years later, in 1949. However, while we do celebrate Flag Day, it’s not technically a Federal holiday. This means that government workers don’t get Flag Day off – they still need to come in to work.

However, that wasn’t the first time anyone had ever observed Flag Day. One George Morris of Hartford, CT was the first American to suggest a day recognizing the American Flag. Morris postulated Flag Day in June of 1861, during the opening salvos of the American Civil War.

Morris’ suggestion never caught on, though. As a result, no one would celebrate flag day for 50 years.

Pennsylvania was the first state to officially observe Flag Day as a holiday. The town of Rennerdale held its first Flag Day on July 14, 1937. Since then, Pennsylvania state workers have enjoyed the day off.

Birthday of the US Army

Here’s another fun fact: Flag Day is the same date as the birthday of the US Army. However, the Army is older than the Stars and Bars (founded in 1775). The Army’s birthday commemorates the date that the US Congress authorized riflemen to enlist in the American Continental Army.

Small Arms of the US Army in 2024

The US Army of 2024 is very different from its humble beginnings in 1775. One of the most recognizable differences is the change in their infantry weapons. Here’s a look at the weapons the Army is using on its 249th birthday.

Sig Sauer MCX SPEAR (XM7)

Sig Sauer XM7 chambered in .277 Fury with suppressor attached.

The new workhorse of American infantry forces in 2024 is the XM7 (aka the XM5). Based on the design of Sig Sauer’s MCX SPEAR, the XM7 won the Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) Program, replacing the iconic M4 carbine.

The XM7 has some differences from the M4 carbine, though. The main design change between the two rifles is the XM7’s use of a short-stroke gas piston action. These systems run much cleaner than the M4’s direct impingement action. It also allows a shooter to use the XM7 with a folding stock.

The military’s XM7 is chambered in the .277 Fury cartridge. However, this expensive round can be prohibitively expensive for civilians. So, Sig chambered its civilian version of the gun, dubbed the MCX SPEAR-LT, 5.56x45. If you’re looking for one of the finest fighting rifles in the world right now, this is it.

Sig Sauer M17 and M18

M17 pistol with 21 round magazine.

The standard sidearm for every branch of the US Armed Forces (except the Coast Guard) employs the M17 and M18 pistols. These guns are functionally identical, except they have different sized grips, barrels, and slides.

The military used the M17 and M18 to replace the aging Beretta M9. The new Sig pistols are chambered in the ubiquitous 9mm cartridge. They feature a reliable striker-fired action, and can carry up to 19 rounds per magazine.

Celebrating Flag Day with Southern Defense

At Southern Defense, one of our favorite ways to celebrate Flag Day is by getting out to hit the range. Remember that all the best gear in the world is useless if you don’t know how to use it. Get out there and train – and don’t forget to stock up on your favorite shotgun, handgun, and rifle ammo before you do!