Your American flag is not just another piece of fabric. Not only does etiquette dictate how you should properly care for your flag, but there is a Federal Flag Code that specifies certain aspects to flag maintenance, as well. One aspect to proper care and keeping of an American flag is specific folding technique. Here… continue
On the Fourth of July 1864 – 150 years ago – Mary Wadsworth sat down in her Washington, D.C., home and began writing to Abraham Lincoln. With thoughts of Gettysburg and another, more recent Civil War battle, she wanted a favor, and her appeal included references to her late husband and the U.S. flag. Mary’s… continue
Just before the Civil War, Albert Myer, an obscure telegrapher who became an Army doctor, combined his experience in both fields to invent a means of communicating by waving flags to troops. His effort spawned the Army’s Signal Corps. Today, the Signal Corps sends messages by modern means. But Myer knew nothing of cellphones, emails… continue
After Norman Rockwell, James Montgomery Flagg might be the best-known popular painter of the 20th century. Given his name, it’s no surprise that his artwork contained so many images of bright stars and broad stripes. If you can picture Uncle Sam pointing his finger at you, you know Flagg’s most famous work – and maybe… continue
Most Americans know that Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Many would be able to cite Irving Berlin as the composer of “God Bless America.” But few citizens can identify the author of “The Pledge of Allegiance,” which will be recited often on Flag Day, June 14, and on the Fourth… continue