Full Breakdown
Waubeka Celebrates Flag Day as Birthplace
6/13/2026, 9:21:49 PM
Event Overview
On Sunday, June 14, Waubeka, Wisconsin, hosts a Flag Day celebration recognized by Congress as holiday’s birthplace. The program includes a military tribute, parade, family activities and fireworks at the Flag Day Foundation Americanism Center, 4200 Valley View Drive.
Background
The tradition began June 14, 1885, when Bernard J. Cigrand, teacher at Stony Hill School, assigned students to write essays about the flag using a 38-star flag placed in an inkwell on a desk. Exercise launched the observance that later became Flag Day, honoring flag’s adoption on June 14, 1777.
Key Figures
Bernard J. Cigrand; David Janik, president of the National Flag Day Foundation; John Finch, owner of Stony Hill Pub and Grill; Waubeka Fire Department; Flag Day Foundation Americanism Center coordinate the celebration.
Timeline
- 10:00 a.m. – Veteran/honored guests sign-in, reception.
- 11:30 a.m. – Music prelude under pavilion.
- 12:00 p.m. – Essay contest winners, speakers, VIP drawing.
- 1:30 p.m. – Patriotic parade with 100+ units, including Waubeka Fire Department.
- 3:00 p.m. – Family Day events, museum displays, games, prizes, and live music by “Liquid Crush.”
- 9:00 p.m. – Fireworks.
Scale
The parade includes over 100 units, and Waubeka Fire Department will display a 40-by-60-foot flag. Visitors come from Wisconsin and beyond, including former residents who return each year, expanding draw.
Impact
Congressional recognition designates Waubeka as the birthplace of Flag Day, linking the community to holiday that honors the flag’s adoption on June 14, 1777. The celebration reinforces local identity, attracts tourism, and offers an educational platform via essay contest and museum displays.
Official Statements
David Janik, president of the National Flag Day Foundation, said program continues Cigrand’s essay exercise and features a parade that highlights community involvement, including fire department’s flag. John Finch, proprietor of Stony Hill Pub and Grill, called Flag Day a unifying occasion drawing residents and former locals back to Waubeka each year.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Flag Day is just a day for the community to all come together,” — John Finch, Owner, Stony Hill Pub and Grill
- “People come from all over, and people that used to live here and moved away, they come back every year for it,” — John Finch, Owner, Stony Hill Pub and Grill
- “He set a 38-star flag, in an inkwell on a desk, and had them write an essay on what the flag means to me, an exercise that we still carry on today,” — David Janik, President, National Flag Day Foundation
- “After the patriotic program, we'll have over a 100-unit parade go through Waubeka, including our Waubeka Fire Department, which you met earlier today,” — David Janik, President, National Flag Day Foundation
