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.
By James Breig The historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and the election of his successor have focused the media spotlight not only on the Vatican, but also on the papal flag. A rare square flag,* it is split vertically in two, half yellow and half white. That’s a change from the original flag… continue
By James Breig Hosted by Gettysburg Flag Works The flag of the United Nations has been very flexible since it was adopted in 1947. Two years later, it was unfurled – by the building’s project manager — atop the unfinished UN tower in New York City. Through the years, the flag’s map of the world has… continue
The expression “he wrapped himself in the flag” has a negative connotation that implies someone is using patriotism to disguise baser motives. In the 19th century, however, some people – most of them military figures — were literally wrapped in flags as part of their funeral ceremonies. In 1840, for instance, the last request of… continue
By James Breig Hosted by Gettysburg Flag Works Every day in America, millions of people see the handiwork of Robert Heft. But they don’t know who he was or what he did that involved the U.S. flag. In naming people connected to the history of the flag, Heft should rank with Betsy Ross and Uncle Sam… continue
The ongoing sesquicentennial of the Civil War is leading, inexorably, to the 150th anniversary of the 1865 assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, who died within days of the surrender of General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox, Virginia. Flags played a role at both the beginning of the war and in the death of Lincoln. In… continue