Dr. Bernard Cigrand (1866-1932) is known as the “Father of Flag Day” and was also a well-known local dentist who lived and practiced his profession in Chicago, Batavia, and Aurora. Throughout his dental career, he campaigned tirelessly to have June 14 declared as a special day of observance to honor the United States flag. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that June 14 would become a national day to celebrate the birth of our flag.
We are proud to administer the Dr. Bernard J. Cigrand Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund that awards scholarships in his name.
The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley produced the following video on the life of Dr. Cigrand with research assistance provided by John Jaros, Executive Director of the Aurora Historical Society.