History lessons is a grouping of historical stories and tidbits. The topics range from the American Civil War through interesting items from around the world. Please use the comments area to ask questions and make suggestions for future topics.
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
Seventy-five years ago, on December 7, 1941, Imperial Japan’s air force attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, triggering the entry of the United States into World War II. The early morning attack occurred on a Sunday, as most Americans, unaware of what was happening several time zones away, opened their morning newspapers, where they read articles… continue
When Americans vote for a president, you can count on American flags being displayed outside polling places, alongside roads and beside the winner. You can also, every now and then, expect a controversial election with claims about stolen or illegal votes. A case occurred 140 years ago when the centennial of 1776 was celebrated. Republican… continue