June 14

Flag Day commemorates the resolution of the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777, that established the US flag’s design. Across the country, schools, civic groups, and government institutions hold flag-raising ceremonies. Many communities host parades, concerts, and family gatherings decorated in red, white, and blue. The day honors the flag as a symbol of national unity, freedom, and democratic ideals. It also educates citizens about the flag’s history, etiquette, and proper display.

Freedom Day celebrates the end of colonial rule and the birth of Malawi as a sovereign nation. Festivities include national parades, cultural performances, and speeches highlighting Malawi’s journey to self-governance. Citizens participate in traditional dances and music, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage. Schools organize exhibitions on the independence movement led by Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda. The day fosters national pride and encourages a renewed commitment to unity and development.

On June 14, residents of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands mark the anniversary of their liberation following the 1982 conflict. The day features services of remembrance for those who lost their lives, including wreath-laying at war memorials. Local authorities organize community events, such as flag parades and talks on the islands’ history. For islanders, it is both a solemn remembrance and a celebration of resilience, self-determination, and the bonds of their community.

Established by the Latvian government, this commemoration day remembers those who endured deportations, labor camps, and repression during Soviet rule. On June 14, 1941, thousands of Latvians were forcibly removed from their homes in mass deportations to remote regions of the USSR. The annual observance includes ceremonies at memorial plaques, candlelight vigils, and educational events to preserve historical awareness. Families and survivors share personal testimonies to ensure that future generations understand the human cost of totalitarian oppression. This solemn day unites citizens in mourning, reflection, and a commitment to prevent such tragedies from recurring.

Mourning and Commemoration Day, known in Estonian as Leinapäev, is held on June 14 each year. It marks the anniversary of the 1941 mass deportations carried out by Soviet authorities, during which thousands of Estonians were forcibly removed from their homes and sent to remote regions of the USSR. On this solemn day, Estonians light candles at memorials and cemeteries, hold services, and lay flowers to pay tribute to the victims. Schools, government bodies, and civic organizations often organize commemorative events and discussions about the historical significance of the deportations. Television and radio programming feature documentaries and interviews with survivors and historians, ensuring that the memory of those who suffered remains alive. The day serves as a reminder of Estonia's tumultuous 20th-century history and the resilience of its people.

Mourning and Hope Day (Gedulo ir vilties diena) commemorates the June 14, 1941, deportations when Soviet forces rounded up thousands of Lithuanians and sent them to labor camps in Siberia. Each year on this date, Lithuanians hold vigils, lay wreaths at memorial sites, and light candles to honor those who endured exile and repression. Public and private ceremonies are held across the country, with survivors and their descendants sharing personal stories of loss, survival, and resilience. Educational institutions organize lectures and exhibitions to teach younger generations about this dark chapter in Lithuania's history. The day also symbolizes hope and solidarity, reflecting the nation's journey from oppression to independence and democratic growth. It is a time for collective remembrance and reaffirmation of human rights and national unity.