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.
Bedecked with school flags and guidons, the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, is marking the centenary of its 1915 founding. But it’s somewhat confused about its own standard. According to the school’s website, “the origins of the Coast Guard standard are very obscure. It may have evolved from an early jack.” According to… continue
Movie buffs know that many memorable moments have occurred during the annual presentation of the Academy Awards, such as the surprise appearance of a streaker and, far more seriously, the first time a Black actress won an Oscar. One great moment, however, has been forgotten: the time two actors in uniform waved an American flag…. continue
Next month, people of Irish ancestry – and millions who aren’t – will mark St. Patrick’s Day with parades, songs, the wearin’ of the green…and the bearin’ of the green. Flags, that is, especially the national flag of Ireland. Ironically, it was born in France. While the flag looks simple, its three vertical bands of… continue
From the start of the Civil War in 1861 to its conclusion 150 years ago, thousands of Irish-Americans played major roles on battlefields, and they loved the flags that went with them. The history of the Ninth Massachusetts Volunteers, for example, describes “our battle flags, the Stars and Stripes and the Green Flag of Erin,… 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