Tag: American Flags

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

Colleges and flea markets have flags in common

At this time of year, hundreds of thousands of Americans are traveling around the country for two purposes: first, stopping at flea markets and antique shows while on vacation; and, second, delivering their children to college. Either way, they’re going to see flags. The American flag is a popular decoration at flea markets. Many vendors… continue

History Lessons

Fly flags to honor wounded veterans

A volunteer writes a letter for a soldier wounded in WWI. (Smithsonian Institution)

Wars throughout the centuries – large or small, won or lost, justified or not – have two things in common: flags and veterans. The flags fly as veterans march away – and back home, many of them injured in mind or body. A common term for such men and women is “wounded warriors,” a phrase… continue

History Lessons

Flags at graduation and for first victim of WWII

Captain Losey in the cockpit

Over the four years of the Second World War, hundreds of thousands of U.S. servicemen were killed. Their bodies and coffins were covered with American flags, and Old Glory waved over cemeteries from New Guinea to France. But the first casualty, who was killed by a Nazi bomb, occurred nearly two years before Pearl Harbor… continue

History Lessons

With American flags, a nation bids Lincoln farewell

Through the closing days of April 1865 and into the opening days of May, a train adorned with American flags and signs of deep mourning moved north from Washington, D.C. It would eventually turn west to Springfield, Illinois. It bore the body of Abraham Lincoln. Stopping in many cities along the route, the train gave… continue