The story of the assassination on Abraham Lincoln, 150 years ago, is the story of American flags, blood-stained, ripped and draped with black ribbons. On April 14, 1865, joyous over the recent end of the Civil War, when Confederate flags had been folded in defeat at Appomattox, Lincoln had an idea. He invited his wife… continue
In stadiums around the U.S., as well as one in Canada, these words will soon resound: “Play ball!” Those venues will be draped with bunting and topped with American flags as the 2015 baseball season debuts. More than a century ago, a tossed baseball set a precedent that endures. It was established by President William… continue
Just before America’s entry into World War II in 1941, the New York Philharmonic found itself in a dispute over the placing of two American flags on its stage and the playing of the National Anthem before every concert. It was up to Arthur Judson, manager of the orchestra, to answer pro and con letters…. continue
Ninety-five years ago, President Woodrow Wilson encouraged people to mark Armistice Day by pausing briefly at 11 a.m. on November 11, the date on which World War I ended. The observance would evolve into a national holiday full of American flags. “The reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism… continue
Last month, the anniversary of 9/11 was marked throughout the U.S. with prayers, speeches, memorials – and nearly 3,000 American flags planted on a sloping campus lawn in California. Pepperdine University in Malibu first installed the emotional display in 2007 after a student suggested the idea of honoring an alumnus who had died on Flight… continue