Are you good at identifying flags? When you see one, do you know where it’s from? Or maybe you’re fascinated by history and how flags figure into it. Either way, you’ll wanna run this free event up the flagpole. You’ll definitely salute it!

Photo by Freepik

By Peg Cameron Gill

Every month, The Stars & Stripes National Museum and Library in Bloomfield holds a special Kids Day at the Museum, sponsored by Boys and Girls Club of the Heartland.

August’s Kids Day at the Museum is “Design Your Own Flag,” on Saturday, August 26 from 10 AM to 2 PM. This is a drop-in event that’s free to the public.

 Most of us know the story of Betsy Ross and the American flag, but there’s so much more to learn about flags and their significance. At this informative event you and your kids will learn fascinating facts about why flags were important during wartime. 

Then, kids will have a chance to get creative and design their own flags!

What colors will they choose? What symbols? Any stars or stripes? It’ll be fun to see what they come up with. Each child will get to take their flag home as a special souvenir and reminder of the fun time they had at the August Kids Day at the Museum.

Designated the birthplace of the Stars and Stripes by the US Department of Defense, the museum collects, documents, celebrates, interprets, and preserves material related to the creation and continuing history of the Stars and Stripes, our nation’s military newspaper. 

Through exhibits and programs, The Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library offers a unique and important view of some of the most pivotal moments in modern history. 

The Museum highlights the history of the Stars and Stripes from the very first issue, printed by Union troops in November 1861, through the wars of the 20th century and into the modern era.

Speaking of stars and stripes and flags, how much do you know about Missouri’s state flag? Find out here who’s become known as “Missouri’s Betsy Ross” for designing our state flag. 

For hundreds more events, visit Missouri Life’s Event Calendar.