History lessons is a grouping of historical stories and tidbits. The topics range from the American Civil War through interesting items from around the world. Please use the comments area to ask questions and make suggestions for future topics.
The 1908 Opening Ceremony That Changed Everything At the 1908 London Olympics, the U.S. flag bearer was Ralph Rose, a powerful Irish‑American shot‑put champion. As Team USA paraded past King Edward VII’s royal box, Rose did not dip the American flag, breaking with international ceremony norms. According to later legend—first printed around 1952—teammate Martin Sheridan proclaimed, “This… continue
The American flag is one of the most recognized symbols in the world. When worn as a flag patch, it becomes a deeply personal statement of patriotism, duty, and respect—especially for members of the military, law enforcement, firefighters, and civilians who wear it with pride. But with that honor comes responsibility. How the flag is… continue
There are a lot of questions out there about the iconic Battle of Iwo Jima. It gave rise to an incredible photo of the American flag that has been etched into the history books and we decided to go to the sources and answer all of the questions here all on one page! When did… continue
The story of Iwo Jima is one that is synonymous with American ideals. This small volcanic island became the stage for a moment that changed the American psyche—the raising of the flag on Mount Suribachi. The iconic image that captured the story not only showed the triumph of one battle, but also of how a… continue
In a nation built on sacrifice and service, few symbols capture the American spirit as perfectly as the Honor Guard. At Gettysburg Flag, we’re committed to sharing stories of the best of America and the timeless symbolism of our American flags. Today, we’re exploring what the Honor Guard represents, delve into the meaning behind the… continue