The arrival of 2014 brings the bicentennial of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The words were written by Francis Scott Key in September 1814. As the specific date draws nearer, more and more attention will be focused on the song. It took a long time to officially designate it as the official National Anthem. That didn’t happen… continue
Seven decades ago, Americans fighting World War II in Europe and the South Pacific paused at Christmas to send letters home. They were decorated with the usual symbols of the season, such as evergreens and stockings. But some of them contained something extra: an image of the U.S. flag. Most of these messages arrived in… continue
Perhaps the most famous march composed by John Philip Sousa, the celebrated March King, is “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” a tribute to the American flag. One of the least-known aspects of the tune is that it originated on Christmas Day in a mysterious fashion. Sousa’s childhood during the Civil War was marked by marches… continue
Most flags consist only of symbols, but about one-third of U.S. states have added something extra. Among others, California, Kansas, Montana and Washington let everyone know who they are by spelling out their name on their flags. Idaho is another example, but it also has a one-of-a-kind distinction. Its state seal, which is part of… continue
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release December 5, 2013 DEATH OF NELSON MANDELA – – – – – – – BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION Today, the United States has lost a close friend, South Africa has lost an incomparable liberator, and the world has lost an… continue