🇺🇸 “Father of Flag Day”: The Teacher Who Sparked a National Observance

This week, ancient discoveries, enduring traditions and modern questions all point to the same human instinct: looking to the past to better understand the present.

But first, let’s visit a Wisconsin schoolhouse, where one teacher turned a simple lesson into a national tradition we celebrate this Sunday: Flag Day …👇🏽

On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress approved the design of the Stars and Stripes, 13 stripes and 13 stars representing a new nation. But for more than a hundred years after its design was approved, the anniversary of the first American flag passed largely unmarked. The idea of a dedicated day did not come from a president or a general, but from a schoolteacher.

In 1885, Bernard J. Cigrand, a Wisconsin teacher, asked his students to observe the flag’s “birthday” and write about what it meant to them. He spent the rest of his life promoting the idea of a national day in its honor.

As the idea spread, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation in 1916 establishing Flag Day, and in 1949 President Harry S. Truman signed it into law as National Flag Day.

Today, it remains a day of observance rather than a holiday, honoring the original spirit behind Cigrand’s vision. Instead of serving as another day off, it’s a simple invitation to remember the flag and what it means to Americans.

🗣️ Your Conversation Starters:

🥊 Freedom 250: The UFC event taking place Sunday on the White House South Lawn, coinciding with Flag Day and President Trump’s 80th birthday. The event begins at 8 p.m. ET and streams live on Paramount+ if you plan to tune in.

🚀 Why No Women? Following the Artemis III crew announcement, one detail drew attention: all four astronauts are men. Space journalist Kristin Fisher called the selection “rare,” adding that while there may be valid reasons for it, “the optics are just impossible to ignore.” NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, meanwhile, said the agency selects the crew that gives “the mission the best chance of meeting its objectives.”

🏀 Behind the Comeback: This week, the Knicks delivered a historic NBA Finals comeback, capped by a game-winning shot from OG Anunoby. Behind his success lies the story of his late parents: a mother he lost to cancer as a baby and a father who raised him, encouraged his athletic talent and died one year after Anunoby entered the NBA.

🧬 Turning Back Cellular Time: Researchers have launched the first human trial of a gene therapy designed to make aging cells act younger. The treatment targets glaucoma by repairing damaged optic nerves, but could eventually help rejuvenate other aging tissues and organs. Testing remains in its earliest stages.

🎧 #ICYMI: What does the turmoil at CBS News — and Scott Pelley’s departure from 60 Minutes — reveal about the state of American journalism? In our latest podcast, Jenna draws on her experience as a former national news anchor to break down the controversy and what it reveals about declining trust in the press.

🍞 Ancient Sourdough?: Scientists used yeast preserved in the gut of a 5,300-year-old frozen mummy to bake sourdough bread. After months of experimentation, they produced a loaf described as “very, very good.” Would you try it?

⛔️ Recall: Jeep recalled more than 1 million vehicles in the U.S., citing electrical problems that could spark fires — even after drivers turn them off. Honda also recalled certain vehicles over a rear suspension defect. Check out the full list here.

🫶🏽 You’ve Got A Friend: The Toy Story 5 premiere delivered plenty of nostalgia this week, from Taylor Swift asking Tim Allen and Tom Hanks to sign her VHS copy of the original film to joining Randy Newman for “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.”

👵🏼 Never EVER Scam Elders: HHS launched a new Federal Elder Justice Action Plan and national “Never EVER” campaign to combat elder abuse and financial scams targeting older Americans. The initiative unites 17 federal agencies to improve reporting and remind the public that legitimate government agencies will never ask people to move money or share sensitive personal information to “protect” it.

🏠 Home Sales Rebound: U.S. existing-home sales rose 3.2% in May, reaching their strongest pace since December. Meanwhile, new inflation data showed the largest annual rise in consumer prices in three years.

🧑🏽‍💻 Remote Work Tradeoff: A new study links remote work to more time alone, greater isolation and increased use of mental health services and prescriptions. The research showed though that most workers still prefer remote jobs for the flexibility and job satisfaction they provide, highlighting a possible tradeoff over time.

🎙️ This Week From Jenna:

Under Pressure: The Press & The President: Why Did Pres. Trump Walk Out Of An Interview?

Plus ~ A leak in the International Space station, a very curious admission by Sec. of State Marco Rubio in a Senate hearing and the latest jobs report surprises with better than expected numbers.

🙌🏽 What We Found SmartHER This Week:

Still searching for the right Father’s Day gift? We went straight to the source and asked the dads of SmartHER News what they actually. Consider this your dad-approved field guide.

“The racetrack has been home for our family for nearly 20 years. It’s where some of our greatest memories were made, where our kids grew up, and where so much of our life together happened. Right now, when so much of our world feels unfamiliar, it’s also one of the few places that still feels like home.”

~ Samantha Busch

Just weeks after NASCAR legend Kyle Busch’s sudden death at age 41, his 11-year-old son, Brexton, returned to the racetrack to continue a passion they shared. Samantha Busch said she promised her husband before his death that she would help their children pursue their dreams.

And that's The Weekend Digest!

❤️,  
Jenna and the SHN Team

Daily news, interviews, our latest podcasts and more at www.SmartHERNews.com.