FLAG DAY -- Do You Celebrate?

Review by Steve Barton II

America is known for having an insane amount of holidays that are celebrated throughout the year. Some are more niche and silly and only celebrated by small sects of the population while others totally stop the entire country in its tracks and force everyone to observe. Some holidays have major religious connotations, while others are more centered on patriotism and showing respect for the living and the fallen soldiers who served in the military. When it comes to Flag Day, Americans are celebrating the day congressional leaders adopted the Stars and Stripes as the American flag in 1777 and it became observed in 1916. While it may not be a federally recognized holiday (which means shutting everything down), some communities around the United States still celebrate loudly and proudly. When it comes to the documentary Flag Day, the audience is transported to Three Oaks, Michigan for their 2024 festivities where they hold the largest Flag Day celebration annually. We become a fly on the wall, while we see how this town comes together to create this amazing celebration of life and community.

The strongest aspect of Flag Day is the verité style that it’s shot in. Instead of being a traditional documentary where the subject sits down for an interview and they splice in B-roll over them narrating, Flag Day takes the fly-on-the-wall approach and lets the audience experience it themselves. Directors Melissa and Andrew Shea grabbed a small group of cinematographers and sound artists and created intimate scenes with several members of the community of Three Oaks, Michigan. We see local businesses owners, high school marching bands, veterans and many volunteers who all play an integral role in creating this celebration and the impact they have. When these folks are speaking to or in front of the camera to a fellow member of the public, you can visibly see how passionate and proud they are to be involved in this event and as an audience member, you can’t help but feel the love emanating from the screen.

Flag Day also doesn’t overstay its welcome, clocking in at only 75 minutes. While that may seem short for a feature length film, the Shea’s accomplish everything needed to show Three Oaks and their historical event. Stretching this out to hit 90 minutes could’ve been done, but it would’ve destroyed the pacing and the filmmakers would’ve been forced to add more interviews or capture more B-roll of community events. The mix of showing the natural beauty of small town Michigan and the beauty of communities coming together no matter their race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity. They are all present to celebrate their friends, family and their fellow neighbors who served their country.

Overall, Flag Day is a wonderful celebration of community and pride for one’s home. In a time where patriotism is a difficult concept to fully embrace, it’s nice to be reminded how important it is to be kind and respectful to your fellow citizens. The way Flag Day is filmed, you get the feeling as an audience member that you’ve been invited to the celebration and every group wants your help and support. It’s easy to forget when social media and news outlets constantly cover all the horrible events happening across the country and world that we have groups that are keeping hope and positivity alive and well. Flag Day may not be a special day for all Americans, Three Oaks, Michigan invites you to join in on June 14th and change that way of thinking. If we know anything from this film, the town is gearing up for their next Flag Day celebration right now! 

Flag Day will release in theaters starting June 12th!

Rating: 3.5/5