Last month, the anniversary of 9/11 was marked throughout the U.S. with prayers, speeches, memorials – and nearly 3,000 American flags planted on a sloping campus lawn in California. Pepperdine University in Malibu first installed the emotional display in 2007 after a student suggested the idea of honoring an alumnus who had died on Flight… continue
The Brooklyn Bridge made news recently due to the mysterious appearance of two bleached American flags that were placed atop the historic span by nighttime intruders. On May 24, 1883, flags played a major role – in broad daylight and well into the evening – when the Brooklyn Bridge opened to much hoopla. Lighting up… continue
After Norman Rockwell, James Montgomery Flagg might be the best-known popular painter of the 20th century. Given his name, it’s no surprise that his artwork contained so many images of bright stars and broad stripes. If you can picture Uncle Sam pointing his finger at you, you know Flagg’s most famous work – and maybe… continue
In May 1864, 150 years ago, President Lincoln was still immersed in the Civil War. Although the key victories of Gettysburg and Vicksburg had passed, a full year of the conflict still lay ahead. That month was also a time of flags for the Great Emancipator. In mid-May, supporters of the president gathered to promote… continue
Flags are flying throughout America as the baseball season debuts this week. Stadiums across the country (and in Canada) will be topped with pennants snapping in the wind. “The Star-Spangled Banner” will be sounded and sung. That’s true now, and it was true a century ago in the major and minor leagues. In April 1914,… continue