Tag: Abraham Lincoln

History Lessons

Lincoln and the errant flag

Lincoln's first inauguration with a flag flapping wildly in the wind. (wikipedia.org)

A previous article about American flags and Inauguration Days through the decades described how presidential ceremonies have often featured multiple banners and plenty of bunting to decorate the special day. An example in that article was Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address in 1865. His short, 700-word speech is renowned for his offer of reconciliation toward… continue

History Lessons

Four presidents oversee plenty of flags

Rushmore flags

Seventy-five years ago, one of the world’s most astonishing man-made creations was dedicated: Mount Rushmore. Thirty-five years later, the four presidents carved there would look down on another tribute to the nation: the Avenue of Flags, colorful reminders of the country served by the stony quartet. Mount Rushmore was conceived in the 1920s by Doane… continue

History Lessons

Flag color White House red, white and blue

American flag flies on White House in 1929 while President Hoover stands next to one to welcome teens. (Library of Congress)

Voters are voting, candidates are campaigning, and reporters are recording. It’s the year of a presidential election, and a new chief executive will move into the White House next January. But one thing will remain consistent: American flags displayed inside and waving outside the most famous home in the nation. The following stories, listed chronologically,… continue

History Lessons

On St. Patrick’s Day, Lincoln presented a flag

About to raise a flag, Lincoln exhorts his audience. (Library of Congress)

On St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1865, less than a month before his assassination, President Abraham Lincoln had a captured battle flag and freed slaves in mind as he offered “a few words only” to members of the 140th Indiana Regiment. Around 4 p.m., he spoke from a balcony at the National Hotel in Washington,… continue

History Lessons

Flag-lover works at Lincoln’s summer home

One of Cooper's ornaments

Since 2008, Jamie Cooper, a member of the North American Vexillological Association, has worked as the museum store manager at Lincoln’s Cottage, where the 16th president lived for one-fourth of his term (see last week’s article). “The greatest part of my job is talking with visitors about shared experiences and how they came across the… continue