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
When war breaks out, former friends can become enemies, and one-time foes might turn into allies. As a result, once-hated flags get saluted and formerly beloved banners are banished. That was certainly true when World War I began nearly 100 years ago, as demonstrated in patriotic postcards of the period. For example, a French postcard… continue
By James Breig When is A flag not THAT flag? That odd but important question lies at the heart of a documentary that debuted Sept. 4 on CNN. The 90-minute program, “The Flag,” went in search of the banner that flew atop the rubble of 9/11 in New York City in 2001. Everyone remembers THAT… continue
By James Breig In August 1943, as World War II reached its midpoint, a soldier stationed in England sent a letter to his mother in New York State and adorned it with a crudely drawn American flag. For reasons unknown to anyone but him, Pvt. Donald Bell did not write anything about his life, England… continue