Run It Up the Flagpole Day (Jan 2)
Run It Up the Flagpole and See if Anyone Salutes It Day is observed on January 2 and centers on sharing ideas to see how others respond.
The phrase comes from mid-20th-century advertising culture, where teams tested concepts before moving forward.
Today, the holiday is a lighthearted reminder to brainstorm, experiment, and get feedback without pressure.
Below you’ll find the background of the holiday, key facts, and simple ways to take part.
When is the Holiday?
Run It Up the Flagpole and See if Anyone Salutes It Day is observed on January 2nd every year.
Who Invented It?
No one knows exactly who turned this phrase into a holiday, but the saying itself comes from the advertising world of the 1950s.
It was meant to encourage creativity and brainstorming—throwing an idea out into the world to see how people react.
The History of the Holiday
Despite its unusual name, this phrase has nothing to do with actual flagpoles.
It originated in mid-20th century corporate culture, where teams were encouraged to present ideas in a low-pressure way before moving them up the chain of command.
The phrase gained traction in New York advertising circles, but comedians soon turned it into a punchline.
At some point, it evolved into an official “holiday,” though its origins remain unclear.
Either way, it’s a fun day to test new ideas, brainstorm, and experiment with creative thinking.
Top 7 Facts About the Holiday
- The phrase was widely used in Mad Men-era advertising, where brainstorming sessions were a major part of pitching new campaigns.
- A similar saying, “Throw it at the wall and see what sticks,” comes from testing cooked pasta.
- The phrase became popular in comedy sketches during the 1960s, often mocking corporate jargon.
- The concept behind the phrase is a core part of modern startup culture, where businesses test ideas before fully committing.
- Many companies today still use the phrase to describe the early stages of product development or idea pitching.
- While it’s now a humorous expression, the original intent was to promote risk-free innovation in a corporate setting.
Coloring Page
This Run It Up the Flagpole Day coloring sheet features a patriotic theme, giving kids a simple way to connect the phrase to its visual roots.
Activities to Celebrate
Here are a few simple ways to take part:
- Test a new idea – Have a business concept, a new hobby, or a creative project you’ve been considering? Today’s the perfect day to share it with someone and see how they react.
- Host a brainstorming session – Gather friends, family, or coworkers for a fun, pressure-free idea session. Write down crazy ideas and vote on the best ones.
- Create a “flagpole” board – Set up a whiteboard, bulletin board, or even a virtual space to post ideas for the year. Encourage others to “salute” (support) the best ones.
- Try an innovation challenge – Challenge yourself or your kids to solve a small everyday problem with a creative solution.
Links to Resources
American Flag Cootie Catcher Printable. Make a fun cootie catcher with questions about your ideas!
DIY American Flag Craft. Create a mini American flag on a tongue depressor for a fun reminder of the day.
Color By Number American Flag. Perfect for younger kids to celebrate the holiday with a printable activity.
Related Holidays
Make Your Dreams Come True Day (January 13) – A holiday that celebrates turning ideas into action.
National Kid Inventors’ Day (January 17) – A day dedicated to honoring those who turned innovative ideas into reality.
National Absolutely Incredible Kid Day (3rd Thursday in March) – Celebrates big ideas, creativity, and confidence in young people.
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