Flag Information

The Secret History of the Pledge of Allegiance

Pledge Of Allegiance 1892

Most Americans are taught the Pledge of Allegiance as young students, eager to pay tribute to their flag and their country. However, few Americans really know how the Pledge got its start. The Pledge of Allegiance has had a very interesting history. The pledge was born in 1892 when Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister, created… continue

History Lessons

What on earth is a Billiken flag? Ask St. Louis!

The Billiken squats at St. Louis University.

A young artist from the Midwest caused a sensation in 1909, little knowing she would inspire a flag that saluted sports at Saint Louis University, thanks to a coach’s portly shape. The cause was her creation of an inanimate object called a Billiken. Florence Pretz was an aspiring artist and illustrator with an interest in… continue

Flag Information

The Evolution of the American Flag

Betsy Ross Flag

The American flag is one of the most recognizable flags in the world. With its trademark white and red stripes and 50 bold stars, it’s hard to imagine it looking any other way.  However, the American flag wasn’t always the stars and stripes we know today. In fact, the U.S. flag has gone through many changes – 26 to be… continue

History Lessons

Flags signaled end of World War II

An impromptu crowd dances on the White House lawn on V-J Day. (Library of Congress)

Seven decades ago this month, the horrific years of World War II ended with the surrender of Japan. In the U.S., American flags were raised, saluted and paraded as joyous crowds spilled into streets throughout the nation. Even pigeons joined in the jubilee. In New York City on August 15, 1945, Mr. and Mrs. John… continue

History Lessons

Who has iconic 9/11 flag?

A fireman stands amid rubble with a 911 flag on his helmet

Two years ago, CNN broadcast a documentary titled “The Flag.” The work of Michael Tucker and Petra Epperlein, it traced the story of a missing American flag, the one hoisted on 9/11 by three firemen in a tableau that recalled the flag-raising on Iwo Jima. “That flag is missing?” was the reaction of many startled… continue