History Lessons

On St. Patrick’s Day, Lincoln presented a flag

About to raise a flag, Lincoln exhorts his audience. (Library of Congress)

On St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1865, less than a month before his assassination, President Abraham Lincoln had a captured battle flag and freed slaves in mind as he offered “a few words only” to members of the 140th Indiana Regiment. Around 4 p.m., he spoke from a balcony at the National Hotel in Washington,… continue

History Lessons

1920s’ American flag contests excited youths

1926 American Legion Weekly cover

Ninety years ago, teenagers around the U.S. received a check to reward their love for the American flag. It happened because they entered a contest sponsored by The American Legion Weekly. Another contest, held three years later, sent winners around the globe. Under the heading, “Wanted: A Patriot’s Flag Creed,” the Legion invited “millions of… continue

History Lessons

Vermont is strict about its flags

Vermont's coat of arms

How now red cow? That question could be a common reaction to the Vermont state flag. Vermont is marking the 225th anniversary of its entry, on March 4, 1791, into the U. S. As the 14th state, it was the first to join the Union after the original 13 colonies. State Flag The first official… continue

History Lessons

Violin virtuoso loved American flag

Jascha Heifetz

At New York City’s Carnegie Hall at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23, 1919, the New York Philharmonic presented is 1,294th concert. The orchestra’s first act was to play “The Star-Spangled Banner” in honor of the American flag. The 17-year-old guest soloist, born in Poland, was Jascha Heifetz, destined to become one of the greatest… continue

History Lessons

Flags in Williamsburg, flags with George Washington

A guardhouse's flag is furled in Williamsburg. (Author's photo)

George Washington was born on Feb. 22, 1732, right? Well, not quite. He was actually born on Feb. 11, 1731, 285 years ago. Either way, he was surrounded by all sorts of flags his entire life. The National Archives website clarifies his birth date by noting that Washington “was born in Virginia on February 11,… continue