History Lessons

Flags of mourning in November

JFK's flag-draped casket in the White House

By James Breig Fifty years ago, at 1:48 p.m. on an autumn Friday, the American flag atop the White House was lowered to half-staff, where it would remain for a month. Millions of Americans can tell you why – and precisely where they were around noon that day: Nov. 22, 1963. It was a Friday of… continue

Flag Information

Scruffy Faces For A Cause

By Cheryl Rings East Greenbush, NY – November, 2013 – In honor of veterans and as a fun way to make a difference, Gettysburg Flag Works is celebrating No-Shave-November.  Business owner Mike Cronin, a Vietnam era veteran, and the men on the staff are all putting down their razors to raise awareness and cash for AMVETS… continue

History Lessons

Flags surrounded Gettysburg Address

By James Breig Seven score and ten years have rolled by since Nov. 19, 1863, when the most famous speech in American history was delivered by President Abraham Lincoln in Gettysburg, Pa. Pressed in by a crowd eager to hear his remarks and surrounded by flapping flags, the Great Emancipator intoned the immortal words: “Four score… continue

History Lessons

Flag-waving day born 11/11/1918

By James Breig On Nov. 11, 1918, the citizens of Anaconda, Montana, held an impromptu parade. Among the prominent participants was William Tell Moore, a black constable. Carrying a large American flag, he led a delegation of black citizens “in a manner that personified dignity and patriotism,” said a newspaper. The occasion was the first Armistice Day,… continue

History Lessons

Sheet music covered with flags

By James Breig John Philip Sousa, the composer, was dubbed “The March King” for his many flag-related and patriotic melodies. So maybe E.T. Paull should be nicknamed “The March Prince.” Now long forgotten, Paull was a major figure in music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Recently, Bill Edwards wrote a book about… continue