Civic Engagement

The ideals of civic engagement and education go hand in hand with our efforts to promote America's history. Our commitment is rooted in the belief that to fully understand how something works, you have to know how it was built. From aiding immigrants during the naturalization process to sharing information on our nation’s flag, we’re working to ensure that all citizens have the chance to learn about our country and add their own voices to the American story.

Children sit in a line, holding small American flags and brochures that read

Naturalization Programs

In the early days of the NSCDA, our members focused on preparing educational materials for immigrants undertaking the naturalization process. Today, those efforts have expanded to include participation in citizenship ceremonies and welcome receptions for new citizens of all ages.

Naturalization Program Photo Gallery

Children's Oath Ceremony at Dumbarton House

Young girl in a pink dress and flower crown carries a small American flag and shakes the hand of a Dame in an orange dress

Women dressed as Uncle Sam and the Statue of Liberty pose for the camera with a group of children — Oath Ceremony for children, Texas Society

Older man with short sleeved navy button down and mustache puts arm around shoulders of young boy holding a certificate — Oath Ceremony for children, Texas Society

Naturalization Ceremony, Alabama Society

Old timey painting of a flag day parade, in which a man in a red uniform and black cowboy hat rides a horse through the streets. Title reads 'The First of Liberty's Five Flags: INDEPENDENCE. Fourth of July, 1776.

Our Nation’s Flag

The History of Flag Day

Each year on June 14th, our nation celebrates Flag Day. How did it begin?

The first formal observance of Flag Day is believed to have been in 1885 when Bernard J. Cigrand, a Wisconsin schoolteacher, arranged for his pupils to observe June 14th, the anniversary of the 1777 Flag Resolution, as “Flag Birthday.” Similar efforts popped up in states along the east coast, which soon led to widespread state and local celebrations.

On May 30th, 1916, Woodrow Wilson issued a Presidential Proclamation establishing Flag Day, but it wasn’t until President Truman signed an Act of Congress on August 3rd, 1949 that June 14th was officially designated as Flag Day. Learn More

Did you know that there’s a particular etiquette for placing and displaying our nation’s flag?

The guidelines vary if you're flying the flag alone or amongst other flags. If you own an American flag, it’s important to know the guidelines for when to fly it. Click below for a full list of days to fly the American flag. View List