The American flag has a few nicknames—some call it “the Stars and Stripes,” after its distinguished appearance, or “the Star-Spangled Banner” as an ode to the national anthem. None of these monikers, however, carry the same mix of defiance and reverence as the title originally bestowed upon Captain William Driver’s 17- by 10-foot banner, which… continue
The Stars and Stripes has remained relatively unchanged since 1777. Except for an adaptation in 1795 and again in 1818, when two stripes were added and then removed, the flag’s design has only been modified with the addition of stars and the pattern in which the stars are arranged. However, the very first national flag… continue
The Texas Revolution (1835-1836) was the inspiration for the Lone Star State’s earliest flags, including the “Liberty or Death” Troutman Flag. Flown by a company of men from Georgia who came to assist Texas with the Revolution, the flag was first unfurled in what is now Freeport, Texas, and carried to Goliad, where it was… continue
International maritime law requires that vessels have a “national character” and that they display a flag, or ensign, that corresponds to this character, especially when in international or foreign waters. A yacht ensign is simply the national flag flown on ships and large boats to denote nationality. It is the largest flag on board, and… continue
The American phrase, “Kilroy was here” was popularized by GIs during World War II, often appearing in graffiti alongside a cartoon doodle of a bald-headed man with a prominent nose peering over a wall. Although the origins of the expression and accompanying drawing have been widely debated over the years, the graffiti has always held… continue