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.
Seventy years ago, perhaps the most significant invasion in world history took place – and flags went along. The event was D-Day, June 6, 1944, when Allied forces hit beaches on the coast of France with the intention of not stopping their progress until they ended Nazi Germany’s reign over Europe. Newspapers of June 6… continue
This weekend, at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, military personnel will place more than 275,000 flags in front of grave markers. The ceremony, known as “flags in,” will be imitated throughout the United States. Memorial Day, May 26 this year, is a chance to remember lost veterans, especially those who died in combat, as… continue
In May 1864, 150 years ago, President Lincoln was still immersed in the Civil War. Although the key victories of Gettysburg and Vicksburg had passed, a full year of the conflict still lay ahead. That month was also a time of flags for the Great Emancipator. In mid-May, supporters of the president gathered to promote… continue
Many people like flags, but some take their interest to the nth degree. Those people are called vexillologists, meaning those who study the history, lore and meaning of flags. One such person is Scot Guenter, a professor of American Studies at San Jose State University. He agreed to answer some questions about his fascination with flags…. continue
This year marks the 450th birthday of William Shakespeare (see last week’s posting for examples of his use of flags in his plays). Besides being a writer, he was a co-owner of the Globe Theatre, located across the Thames River from London. The site used flags to attract play-goers. The pennants were necessary because communication… continue