Most people can identify the national flags of the U.S., Great Britain and the Soviet Union. But hardly anyone can describe the unusual banners of the following countries: NAURU What does Nauru’s flag look like? The first response should be, “Where’s Nauru?” The answer to that gives a tiny clue to the flag’s design. An… continue
A previous article about American flags and Inauguration Days through the decades described how presidential ceremonies have often featured multiple banners and plenty of bunting to decorate the special day. An example in that article was Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address in 1865. His short, 700-word speech is renowned for his offer of reconciliation toward… continue
The inauguration of President Donald J. Trump calls to mind many flag-bedecked ceremonies of the past. Here’s a sampling: 1865 Abraham Lincoln’s second inauguration brought out flags, partly to salute him and partly to celebrate the upcoming end of the Civil War. A Washington newspaper reported that “the national flag in some shape, mammoth or… continue
Anyone fascinated with flags – the American flag, foreign flags, flag laws and even a flag-related word he invented – should be interested in the life of Whitney Smith, who spent his 76 years adoring, studying, collecting and creating banners. When Smith died last November, The New York Times saluted him as a man “whose… continue
Merry Christmas, joyous New Year – and happy anniversary to two states celebrating their entries into the Union. In this case, the “I’s” have it: Indiana and Iowa. Eventually, but not immediately, both created state flags. INDIANA Two hundred years ago, the United States welcomed Indiana into the fold as it became the 19th state…. continue