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.
Do you think the National Anthem is difficult to sing? So does one of the greatest singers in the world. This year’s Super Bowl was one of the worst ever, but the performance of the anthem was one of the best ever, thanks to opera star Renee Fleming, who was the voice of choice in… continue
The start of the Winter Olympics reminds millions of people around the world that the games are draped in flags. Each nation marches into the stadium sporting its own standard, and the Olympics itself has a well-known banner. The Olympic flag is simple: five interlocked rings of different colors on a white background. “The five… continue
In late January 1946, the people of Town Line, New York, raised an American flag to mark the end of the war. But they weren’t noting the conclusion of World War II six months earlier. They were observing the end of the Civil War in 1865. Located near Buffalo, Town Line assembled 113 of its… continue
The week that marks the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. and the upcoming observance of Black History Month in February are appropriate times to recall the heroism of Sgt. William H. Carney, a remarkable protector of the U.S. flag during the Civil War. Born into slavery in Virginia, Carney grew up to travel the… continue
The 150th anniversaries of the Battle of Gettysburg and the Gettysburg Address have passed, and their flags have been folded. But the observance of the sesquicentennial of the Civil War continues in 2014. With more than a year to go before peace would arrive, 1864 dawned with more battles and more division. Gov. Horatio Seymour… continue