History Lessons

Maryland’s crowded flag

By James Breig On April 28, 1788 – 225 years ago – Maryland became the seventh united state. It came into the union with a unique history that would evolve into a cluttered flag. Charles I of Great Britain granted Maryland’s charter in 1632 and assigned it to Lord Baltimore (Cecilius Calvert). The king’s command… continue

Flag Information

Memorial Day

flags are placed in front of graves to honor fallen soldiers who will be remembered on Memorial Day May 31, 2004.

By Cheryl Rings Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and although there are many conflicting stories on it’s beginnings, most of them agree that it began as a day set aside to honor the soldiers who had fallen in service during the civil war.  Dates and specific groups of soldiers are what separates many of… continue

History Lessons

Woman hoists stadium flag

Ebbets Stadium flag-raising in 1913 (Photo from Library of Congress)

By James Breig Baseball and flags have had a long relationship – and not just through the singing of “Oh, Say, Can You See” before every game. After all, what are the pro teams chasing throughout their 162-game season? They’re after a pennant! Fans follow the pennant races throughout the spring and summer, but we… continue

History Lessons

New president, new flag

General Post Office Building in Washington

By James Breig In three months, Americans will mark the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War. A few months later, the sesquicentennial of the Gettysburg Address will be noted. Those two occasions have led to recent postings here about Abraham Lincoln and flags. Those stories focused on his 1861 rail… continue

History Lessons

Lincoln raises new flag

A sketch of the flag-raising from Harper's Weekly

By James Breig As America marches toward the 150th anniversaries of the Battle of Gettysburg (in July) and the Gettysburg Address (in November), this space has begun sharing some stories about Abraham Lincoln and the U.S. flag. Last week, some of his flag-related speeches from 1861, while he was on his way to his first… continue