History Lessons

Civil War troops sang about flags

historical print of battle scene at nation capital

By James Breig From its opening days in 1861 through the Battle of Gettysburg to Appomattox, the Civil War spawned songs about flags that were intoned on both sides of the fray. Northerners sang “The Battle Cry of Freedom” with its rousing chorus of “Rally ‘Round the Flag, Boys,” while Southerners gave out with “The… continue

History Lessons

Alamo battle featured many flags

An early Alamo postcard showing the six flags over Texas.

By James Breig One of the earliest accounts of the fall of the Alamo, the famous battle in the drive for Texas independence from Mexico, appeared in The Louisiana Advertiser. It ran about three weeks after the March 6, 1836, assault that captured the former mission and killed – among scores of others – Davy… continue

History Lessons

Maryland’s crowded flag

By James Breig On April 28, 1788 – 225 years ago – Maryland became the seventh united state. It came into the union with a unique history that would evolve into a cluttered flag. Charles I of Great Britain granted Maryland’s charter in 1632 and assigned it to Lord Baltimore (Cecilius Calvert). The king’s command… continue

Flag Information

Memorial Day

flags are placed in front of graves to honor fallen soldiers who will be remembered on Memorial Day May 31, 2004.

By Cheryl Rings Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and although there are many conflicting stories on it’s beginnings, most of them agree that it began as a day set aside to honor the soldiers who had fallen in service during the civil war.  Dates and specific groups of soldiers are what separates many of… continue

History Lessons

Woman hoists stadium flag

Ebbets Stadium flag-raising in 1913 (Photo from Library of Congress)

By James Breig Baseball and flags have had a long relationship – and not just through the singing of “Oh, Say, Can You See” before every game. After all, what are the pro teams chasing throughout their 162-game season? They’re after a pennant! Fans follow the pennant races throughout the spring and summer, but we… continue