Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Flag Day ~ 2011

It's been a busy week here at HFTS with little computer time, but Flag Day is important to me so I took the liberty to recycle my post from last year. I hope it inspires others to proudly display the American flag and bring out some red, white, and blue for the summer months. 4th of July will be here before you know it.

Flag Day is also my brother's birthday. Happy Birthday, David!



National Flag Day ~ June 14th

Although many states had designated a special day to honor the US flag each year, it wasn't until 1949 that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.


Here at HFTS the US flag and other patriotic symbols of our country are front and center during the summer months. Affectionately known as Old Glory, the Stars & Stripes, or the Star Spangled Banner, the American flag is a Grand Old Flag.



Long an enthusiast of Americana, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to attend the special exhibit, STRIPES and STARS, A GRAPHIC HISTORY OF AN AMERICAN ICON. The AIGA National Design Center hosted the STRIPES and STARS exhibit, at their 5th Avenue center in NYC the summer of 2000. The exhibit was an amazing collection of US flag related items assembled by Kit Hinrichs of California. The large poster lower right in the above mosaic is from the exhibit. I had it framed, and it is now part of my American collection.


The exhibit, a mere sampling of Mr. Hinrichs collection of flag memorabilia was so well received that Mr. Hinrichs decided to publish LONG MAY SHE WAVE. This large, beautiful book documents the complete collection of over 500 items with incredible color images meticulously photographed by renowned artist, Terry Heffernan. Mr. Hinrichs' collection has been "hailed as a marvel of folk history and a time capsule of cultural commentary." The exhibit catalog notes "Despite legal restrictions adopted by Congress in 1912 and 1934, the exhibition illustrates that popular interpretations of the flag motif have continued to proliferate, resulting in a rich visual history of a true American icon."


UNITED WE STAND, by Peter Gwillim Kreitier, is another wonderful book for those interested in the American flag. In response to Pearl Harbor, to celebrate Independence Day in 1942, every major US magazine featured an image of the American Flag on its cover. This book reproduces more than 100 of those magazine covers that saluted Old Glory across the nation July 1942.


Mary Emmerling's AMERICAN COUNTRY FLAGS is a charming little book of various flags in folk art. Each page features beautiful full color images and quotes related to the American flag.


The US flag is often found on United States Postage Stamps. In 2002, perhaps in response to Kit Hinrichs' popular exhibit, the U. S. Post Office issued a set of five Americana stamps featuring flag ephemera. A small booklet that featured other flag folk art images and included twenty of the 37-cent stamps was available from the U. S. Post Office.


In 2000, I purchased this sheet of 33-cent U S postage stamps that commemorate The Stars And Stripes with various images of the U S flag through the years.


I had my sheet of flag stamps specially stamped for the occasion of OpSail 2000, the Parade of Tall Ships on the Hudson River and New York Harbor.


After 9/11 American patriotism was very popular. The American flag was seen being flown at almost every home in many neighborhoods. Flags flew on antenna of cars and trucks, and many wore a small American flag pin on their lapel. The top and bottom photos of the above collage are pins in my collection. The center card is an advertisement from Maximal Art's Vintage Americana Collection. You can find Maximal Art online at www.maximalart.com.


These small individual vintage flags were once used on student desks in a classroom. The silk flags show 48 stars, the flag used between 1912 and 1959. The 48 star flag was the second longest in use.


Its red for love, and its white for law,
And its blue for the hope that our forefathers saw,
Of a larger liberty.
Unknown
Mary Emmerling's AMERICAN COUNTRY FLAGS


A special thank you to all the hostesses of the following weekly memes:















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Sarah
Sarah

The summer we married, my husband was in graduate school, and I was employed as a teacher. We took a portion of our savings that summer and purchased a sailboat. We christened our Catalina 22, “Hyacinths For The Soul” after Saadi’s poem. Our "Hyacinths" provided years of pleasure.

43 comments:

  1. Nancy's Daily DishJune 14, 2011 at 5:08 PM

    Sarah,

    I have so enjoyed this detailed post! I was just reading an article a week or so ago about the flag collection of Mr. Hinrich's ( I hope I spelled that right!).
    Thank you so much for sharing all of this information and the wonderful photos!

    Nancy

    p/s I tried leaving a comment a couple of days ago on your previous post but Blogger was, I suppose, having some tech problems and I could never get it to post. Anyway, I loved that one too...those dolls are hilarious...I love the one with the Eiffel Tower on her head!

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  2. AnonymousJune 14, 2011 at 5:10 PM

    :)And Flag Day is your "little" brother's birthday! :)

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  3. LynnJune 14, 2011 at 5:15 PM

    Lots of great flag info Sarah! I proudly fly my flag every day of the year:@)

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  4. Magical Mystical TeacherJune 14, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    As a nation, we do like our flag--especially on postage stamps!


    DAWN TO DUSK

    Yellow’s the color I wear at dawn
    When dancing dewdrops spangle the lawn.

    Red is the color I wear at dusk
    When earth and sky are dry as a husk

    And nothing stirs—not even a wing
    Of bat or swallow or anything!

    © 2011 by Magical Mystical Teacher


    Boatman in Red

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  5. DebbiedoosJune 14, 2011 at 5:47 PM

    Happy Flag day to you too!~I did not see this post from last year, so I am happy to see it this year.

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  6. StitchforkJune 14, 2011 at 6:50 PM

    We fly the flag proudly every day of the year!
    xo Cathy

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  7. On Crooked CreekJune 14, 2011 at 8:18 PM

    Sarah,
    Horray! I adore this post!!!
    The postage stamaps caught my eye...wonderfully photographed!
    I've been making seasonal changes On Crooked Creek. "Mr. Ed" placed some flags in a floral arrangement for me...it looks amazing! My favorite songs in Elementary School were always those about flags!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  8. BabsJune 14, 2011 at 8:20 PM

    Sarah, OMGosh. now I feel badly. I completely forgot about today being Flag Day. We had taken ours down when we went to NJ and haven't put it back up yet. All the information on flags is really nice and you take the prize for flag pins. I have several which I usually wear on holidays but not as many as you. I have two from 9/11 with "united we stand" stamped on the back and the date. I really cherish those.
    Thanks for a great post.
    Babs

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  9. Faded CharmJune 14, 2011 at 9:25 PM

    No problem Sarah. I think a flag post is very appropriate for today:-)

    xoxo
    Kathleen

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  10. MaryJune 14, 2011 at 10:15 PM

    Oh what a fascinating post! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and your wonderful collection at MM. :)

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  11. MaryJune 15, 2011 at 4:46 AM

    Love all your wonderful flag memorabilia... your collections never cease to amaze me~ I especially love your OpSail stamps! I bet Mary Emmerling's book is fun to peruse!

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  12. The French HutchJune 15, 2011 at 5:21 AM

    Sarah, lovely tribute with your fabulous collection of flags
    Ours has been out since Memorial Day and will be until Labor Day. Hope your having a great summer.

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  13. UnknownJune 15, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    I feel so patriotic just reading this !

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  14. Ceekay-THINKIN of HOMEJune 15, 2011 at 11:09 AM

    This is a fantastic post. I love our flag. I have several things with flags on it. Great that you got those stamps!!

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  15. lanakwaustin@att.netJune 15, 2011 at 12:37 PM

    I love this post--well, I love ALL your posts, but I truly appreciate your patriotism. Here at Casa Austin we say the Pledge to the Flag every single day! We are proud to serve our country and proud of its history! (although I am sad about Tom having to deploy for a year to Afghanistan in the fall, I'm still grateful to our country!) You did a wonderful job capturing the RW&B glory!!!!!!!
    Love/hugs/blessings,
    Lana

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  16. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiJune 15, 2011 at 12:51 PM

    This was a fabulous post, Sarah! I didn't read it last year so I enjoyed seeing it for the first time. I was at the 2000 Tall Ships op sail! We stood in a park under the Verranzano Bridge to watch them sail into NYC harbor! It was so enjoyable!

    You always share such beautiful and interesting books! I'd love to see your bookshelves one day!

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  17. Jeannie B.June 15, 2011 at 7:25 PM

    I enjoyed my journey through your wonderful pictures and history lesson too.

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  18. PondsideJune 15, 2011 at 7:34 PM

    Danes and Americans - you have such pride in your flags. I love the way that both countries make the flag such a part of everyday life and culture.

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  19. Yellow Rose ArborJune 15, 2011 at 8:49 PM

    What a nice tribute to Flag Day! Great collection!

    Katherine

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  20. KarenaJune 15, 2011 at 10:21 PM

    Sarah what a special post!! We are very fortunate and should honor our flag!

    I don't know how you do it all!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

    Do enter my New Giveaway from the Artisans at Novica!

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  21. Sunny Simple LifeJune 16, 2011 at 9:19 AM

    I love this post. I just can't get enough of the red white and blue. So many lovely images of the flag.

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  22. MarlisJune 16, 2011 at 12:36 PM

    Loved this post!!! So much history I didn't know. Your collection of flags is quite remarkable. Thanks so much for sharing and for dropping by. Many blessings, marlis

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  23. Honey at 2805June 16, 2011 at 6:56 PM

    This is such special post & I am so happy to see it. Love all of your flags and flag related items!

    Didn't realize you are from Texas until on a comment to me you said "here in Texas..." I am in Texas too!

    Have a happy weekend!

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  24. Alison @ The PolohouseJune 16, 2011 at 9:49 PM

    Thanks so much for reposting this since I am a newbie and did not see it last year, Sarah!
    I am so patriotic and have soooooOOO many old flags. I keep buying them when I am out antiquing... it is like a sickness!

    (It all started when I found a hand-sewn 48 star flag at a flea market about five years ago.)
    :)
    Thanks so much for all the great info!

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  25. DebbieJune 17, 2011 at 4:29 AM

    I saw this post earlier in the week, but it was one of my temperamental computer problem days.
    I'm revisiting this morning to tell you how much I enjoyed reading about your patriotic collection and the various books.

    I really love those desk flags with the 48 stars. Those are real treasures.

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  26. Designs on 47th StreetJune 17, 2011 at 10:37 AM

    Such a great post filled with information about our flag. To me there is nothing prettier than to see the USA flag waving proudly.

    So glad you are familiar with A Frog went a Courtin'!! :) I just love it. My words are a little different than the link provided and I certainly didn't know all those verses, did you??

    Donna

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  27. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereJune 17, 2011 at 4:13 PM

    Sarah, Thank you for sharing this wonderful post at my party. I am glad to live in a country so proud of our red, white and blue!
    xo,
    Sherry

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  28. Sarah @ Modern Country StyleJune 17, 2011 at 4:25 PM

    This is such a fantastic post. IT made me sign up as your follower!!

    I love the American flag. It's so iconic, isn't it!?

    Sarahx

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  29. M.L. @ The House of WhimsyJune 17, 2011 at 7:45 PM

    What a fun Post to read. Thank you for sharing all this with us. Just wonderful!!!
    M.L.

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  30. Donna@Conghaile CottageJune 17, 2011 at 9:55 PM

    What a beautiful tribute Sarah! I love your collection of our "Stars&Stripes"...And what a special birthday for your brother...Happy Birthday to him!
    Have a wonderful weekend,
    Hugs,
    Donna

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  31. Bargain Decorating with LaurieJune 17, 2011 at 10:08 PM

    So many interesting facts Sarah. I needed a refresher course. Some of these facts were learned long ago, but I had forgotten them. Your photos are so pretty too. How fun to have a birthday on Flag Day. He must have always felt that flags were flying in his honor! laurie

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  32. xinexJune 17, 2011 at 11:33 PM

    Great post, Sarah! very informative and educational too. Thank you!...Christine

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  33. Castles Crowns and CottagesJune 18, 2011 at 6:09 AM

    PRECIOUS SARA!!!!! You know, when I lived in Boston, Flag Day, Fourth of July and St. Patrick's Day were especially celebrated in ways like I had never seen. So rich in history, these locations always had LIVING presentations of the events that you only read about in school. Oh what a great post, and dearest, thank you for your kind comments...Let us ALL soar with hard work, working on our wings of skill to take us to the reality of the fruition of our goals...peace, Anita

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  34. mrs. cJune 18, 2011 at 4:17 PM

    Wow! Thanks so much for sharing all this information. I always enjoy reading your posts. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

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  35. The Charm of HomeJune 18, 2011 at 5:11 PM

    Sarah,
    This is a great post for Flag Day. I love the flag for decoration. I bet that Mary Emmerling book is great. I just got her Beach Cottages book and I love it. Thanks for linking it up to HSH!
    Sherry

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  36. KathyJune 18, 2011 at 5:19 PM

    Love this post - lots of information and resources I was not aware of! I love our flag - we are truly a blessed and exceptional country!
    Wave it proudly!
    Kathy

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  37. The TablescaperJune 18, 2011 at 10:12 PM

    Sarah:

    What an imformative post and wonderful tribute to Flag Day. I'll be thrilled to have you be a part of Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  38. Maryjane-The Beehive CottageJune 18, 2011 at 11:29 PM

    Love our good old flag! Wishing you a wonderful weekend Sarah!

    Hugs,
    Maryjane

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  39. SnapJune 19, 2011 at 8:26 AM

    I came by earlier in the week and couldn't post (poor blogger). I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed this fun and informative post. Have a wonderful week!

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  40. Red Couch RecipesJune 19, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    Sarah, this was definitely worth a report. I go crazy for our red, white, and blue. I love the individual flagholders. Some may scoff at patriotism, but I embrace it. I remember the small period of patriotism after 9/11. My FIL was discouraged by how few flags he saw on Flag Day. Our Scouts here have a flag project where they put flags on subscriber's lawns each holiday -- they look so beautiful. Joni

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  41. AnonymousJune 19, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    In my Houston neighborhood, the local Rotary Club has as one of it's projects putting out flags on significant flag related holidays. It is wonderful to ride the streets and see almost every house having the stars and stripes waving. I enjoyed the info you shared.

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  42. AnonymousJune 19, 2011 at 3:03 PM

    this is a wonderful post Sarah. I fly our little flags from May through Labor Day. I am looking for some great old bunting to display on the porch too but haven't found it yet. Thank you for a wonderful flag lesson. :)

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  43. Chari at Happy To DesignJune 19, 2011 at 4:49 PM

    Hi Sarah...

    How are you doing, sweet lady? It has been a little while since we have visited! So happy to see you for the Sunday Favorites repost party today!

    Sarah, I just loved this delightful post that you penned about our Grand Ol' Flag! You included so many interesting facts in your post. Thank you, dear lady and thank you for sharing all the interesting book titles and authors as well! Ohhh..and beautiful photos too! Thank you so much for sharing this sweet post with us for the Sunday Favorites party this week...it was such a delight!!!

    Warmest wishes,
    Chari @Happy To Design

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