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.
Baseball legend Joe DiMaggio is usually not thought of as having a connection to flags. But the centennial of his birth (Nov. 25, 1914) brings memories of how often he was associated with bunting, pennants and American flags. The anniversary also calls attention to another Joe DiMaggio, who is associated with flags because he loves… continue
A flag and a famous bridge were recently linked when two German artists/activists climbed the Brooklyn Bridge to fling two white-washed American flags to the breeze. They later claimed that they were honoring “the beauty of public space” and saluting the German-born architect who designed the span. In 1937, another famous bridge, on the verge… continue
Ninety-five years ago, President Woodrow Wilson encouraged people to mark Armistice Day by pausing briefly at 11 a.m. on November 11, the date on which World War I ended. The observance would evolve into a national holiday full of American flags. “The reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism… continue
Raising the American flag is a common activity for presidents, including Abraham Lincoln. But he had to skip one such occasion, even though he had promised to be there. It happened less than a year after his inauguration in March 1861. Six months later, after the first battles of the War Between the States had… continue
This year’s World Series will sport many flags – American flags and red-white-and-blue bunting, of course, but also the pennants and banners of baseball teams. Just in time for the fall classic, a lost film has surfaced from 90 years ago, and it shows a prominent Old Glory. The silent movie is the only known… continue