The 14th anniversary of 9/11 and the flags that flew as patriotism rose that day spur a question: What happened on other September 11s when American flags flapped? FOSTERING MUSIC “Oh! Susanna” is probably Stephen Foster’s most famous song, and it was first performed on 9/11 in 1847. But he also wrote the music for… continue
On September 9, 1850 – 165 years ago – California entered the Union after being a republic, not a territory of the United States. It was as if a foreign nation had decided to join the U.S. – and it brought its own state flag along. “On June 14, 1846, a small band of settlers… continue
In the four decades between 1878 and 1918, three major artists in France and America who are marking significant anniversaries deployed their talents to create dozens of striking images of flags. They captured the movement, colors and patriotic echoes of the banners. The list includes Claude Monet, who was born 175 years ago; Vincent van… continue
A young artist from the Midwest caused a sensation in 1909, little knowing she would inspire a flag that saluted sports at Saint Louis University, thanks to a coach’s portly shape. The cause was her creation of an inanimate object called a Billiken. Florence Pretz was an aspiring artist and illustrator with an interest in… continue
Seven decades ago this month, the horrific years of World War II ended with the surrender of Japan. In the U.S., American flags were raised, saluted and paraded as joyous crowds spilled into streets throughout the nation. Even pigeons joined in the jubilee. In New York City on August 15, 1945, Mr. and Mrs. John… continue