Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970, to protest environmental degradation and support preservation; it has grown to include events across the globe. Although the coronavirus has impeded in-person celebration of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we now mark the first "Virtual Earth Day," and celebrate together online. The unofficial Earth Day flag was created by peace activist John McConnell, and depicts the "Blue Marble" photograph taken by the crew of Apollo 17.