Secretary of State Bob Evnen is asking Nebraskans to proudly fly the U.S. and Nebraska flags today for National Flag Day.

Flag Day originated in 1885 to observe June 14 as the anniversary of official adoption of the stars and stripes, according to a news release from the Secretary of State’s Office. Flag Day was celebrated by school children who would assemble to be given a small flag. 

“Flags are a reminder of the freedoms we enjoy as American citizens and Nebraskans — a symbol of ourselves” Evnen said.

The Office of the Secretary of State in cooperation with the Office of the Capitol Commission offers a service that provides Nebraskans an opportunity to request to have a flag flown over the state Capitol. Flags meeting dimensional and other requirements must be provided with information about when, why and for whom the flag is requested to be flown.

Flags are flown weekdays except for holidays.  Each flag will be accompanied by a keepsake certificate signed by Evnen and will include the date and the purpose of the flight.

Nebraskans who wish to have a flag flown over the state Capitol should call 402-471-4070 or email anna.castro@nebraska.gov for additional information.