View of a Nation's Flag

A thoughtful mind, when it sees a Nation's flag, sees not the flag only, but the Nation itself; and whatever may be its symbols, its insignia, he reads chiefly in the flag the Government, the principles, the truths, the history which belongs to the Nation that sets it forth.
-Henry Ward Beecher

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Video: Original Star-Spangled Banner Debuts in New State-of-the-Art Gallery at the Heart of the National Museum of American History

/PRNewswire/ -- The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History will reopen its doors to the public Friday, Nov. 21, providing a new look at the almost 200-year-old Star-Spangled Banner--the flag that inspired the national anthem. The museum has constructed a custom-designed display for the flag, which recently underwent an extensive conservation treatment. The gallery is part of a two-year, $85 million renovation of the building's center core, which has dramatically transformed the museum's architecture.

"The Star-Spangled Banner is one of our nation's most treasured objects, a symbol of what this country stands for," said Brent D. Glass, director of the museum. "Its new surroundings are part of a strategic plan to ensure the long-term preservation of the flag, to revitalize the museum and help future generations experience what it means to be an American."

The Star-Spangled Banner Preservation Project was made possible by major support from Polo Ralph Lauren. Generous support was provided by The Pew Charitable Trusts, the Congress, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the American Express Historic Preservation Fund. The conservation project is part of Save America's Treasures--a public-private partnership administered by the National Park Service and the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.

"I was honored to be asked to help on the project to preserve the Star-Spangled Banner," said Ralph Lauren. "It has always been an inspiration to me, and I wanted it to continue to be an inspiration for generations to come. I am thrilled to see it displayed in all its glory; a constant symbol of what makes America great--our ideals, our courage and our faith in the future."

The new Star-Spangled Banner Gallery lies at the heart of the museum, the focal point of the dramatic five-story skylit atrium. An architectural representation of a waving flag--made up of 960 reflective tiles--frames the entrance to the gallery. As visitors enter, a companion exhibition sets the scene for a dramatic historic event: the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812, when this young nation survived an assault by the British.

A special enclosure, with a 35-foot floor-to-ceiling glass wall, will protect the fragile wool and cotton flag while providing maximum visibility to visitors. The chamber's lighting, mechanical, security and fire prevention systems, as well as the table upon which the flag rests and the new gantry (movable bridge) that museum staff will use to inspect the flag, are designed to work together to ensure long-term protection of the flag. The room has separate environmental systems maintaining a constant temperature of 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity of 50 percent. All support structures and mechanisms will be hidden from public view so that the flag appears to be suspended in the chamber.

The 30-foot by 34-foot banner will be displayed at a horizontal orientation and, in order to reduce stress to the textile, at a 10-degree angle of elevation. Low light levels will protect the flag, yet are dramatic enough to evoke an atmosphere of the "dawn's early light," similar to what Francis Scott Key experienced Sept. 14, 1814, when he wrote his famous lyrics. The first stanza of the national anthem is projected prominently on the wall above the Star-Spangled Banner. A tactile image of the banner and an interactive projection of the flag allow visitors to investigate key details about the flag, its history and how it was made. Upon leaving the viewing chamber, additional exhibits convey specific stories about the making of the Star-Spangled Banner: its meaning as a family keepsake, the efforts of the Smithsonian to preserve the flag for more than 100 years and how Americans have used the Star-Spangled Banner, both the flag and the song, to express diverse ideas of patriotism and national identity.

For a limited time, the exhibition will also include one of only three signed manuscripts of Key's lyrics of "The Star-Spangled Banner," on loan from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

The construction of the new Star-Spangled Banner Gallery was coordinated with the renovation of the museum itself. The museum contracted with the architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP and Turner Construction for the overall planning, design and construction. New York-based design firms Chermayeff & Geismar and C&G Partners provided the exhibition design for the new Star-Spangled Banner gallery.

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Presidential Elections and Other National Commemorations Make November a Month for Patriotism

PRNewswire/ -- If ever there was a month for patriotism, November is that time. Not only are national elections held every November, with a presidential election held every four years, but other noteworthy patriotic milestones are also commemorated.

Presidential Elections

We start this November with a historical presidential election. Kerry McCoy, President of Arkansas Flag and Banner, wants everyone to get into the electoral spirit. Her business now offers collectible "VOTE Democratic" or "VOTE Republican" shoes by TOM. For every pair sold TOM gives a pair to a needy child. http://tinyurl.com/5qkp7a. More election merchandise is available onsite.

Marine Corps Birthday

November 10th marks the two hundred and thirty-third birthday of the United States Marine Corps, which has been officially celebrated since 1921. Each year Marine Corps Birthday balls are held throughout the country to honor the Marines. Tradition has it that the oldest U.S. Marine present is given the first piece of cake and the second piece is given to the youngest Marine present. Flag and Banner has a lovely selection of gifts for the honorees, as well as patriotic dishes, serving trays and Marine Corps flag kits. http://tinyurl.com/56nqcl

Veterans Day

November 11, Veterans Day, honors all those who have fought in defense of the United States. The day commemorates the signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918, which ended World War I. To respectfully honor those who serve and have served, Flag and Banner carries special grave markers, license plates, hats and flags. During the month of November, FlagandBanner.com will be offering a 25% discount to all veterans with military ID (in store only). http://tinyurl.com/6qwpt7

Thanksgiving

It was O. Henry who called Thanksgiving " ... the one day that is purely American," and it truly is. From its colonial origins as an autumn harvest feast to the present, it is the day that Americans set aside to give thanks for all manner of things in their lives. Flag and Banner has autumn and Thanksgiving banners and flags that depict this time of year. http://tinyurl.com/6bjtp3

For more information on flags or to purchase patriotic items, visit http://www.flagandbanner.com/.

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Remember 9-11

Sea of flags at the Peachtree City Fire and Rescue Station on N. Peachtree Parkway

On this day, September 11, we all stop and relive the horrifying events of that fateful day in American history.

This morning, our staff noted local governments and citizens remembering the attack on America by flying the flag at half mast.














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Community News You Can Use in Fayetteville, Peachtree City, and Tyrone

The Fallen are Remembered by Peachtree City Fire Department

Special to the Fayette Front Page

As America pauses to remember the September 11, 2001, attacks this year, Peachtree City Firemen remember.

The Neely Fire Station in Peachtree City has once again honored the memory of the 343 firefighters and 60 police officers who gave their lives on that fateful day in 2001 by placing a flag for each of their fallen brothers in front of Station 82.

A special thank you to all firefighters and policemen, especially those in Fayette County, Georgia, who serve the American citizens everyday.

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Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone

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Veteran's Memorial in Peachtree City

Thanks, guys! A special thank you to the American Legion Post in PTC who keeps the memorial awash in flags for the patriotic holidays.

Command Flies Historic American Flag in Afghanistan

More than 50 U.S. sailors rendered a salute as their nation's colors were raised over Camp Eggers in honor of America's Independence Day. What made the ceremony so special was the American flag had only 48 stars.

The flag was flown courtesy of retired Navy Cmdr. Joseph Agra III, who works at the Kabul International Airport as a logistics mentor for the Afghan National Army Air Corps.

Agra acquired the flag from a Filipino fisherman while living in the Philippines in 2000. The fisherman retrieved it from his net while fishing off the coast of the Bataan Peninsula.

"I saw the flag on a pole and asked the fisherman where he got it," Agra said. "After he told me, I asked if I could have it. He sold it to me for ten dollars."

Agra said after taking the flag home and washing it, his son realized it only had 48 stars. Upon this discovery, Agra started researching flags for a hint of its origin.

Because the 48-star flag was only flown between 1912 and 1959, Agra theorized that it came from one of five U.S. Navy ships that were sunk by the Imperial Japanese Forces in the opening months of World War II.

"I researched the ships that were sunk in hostile fire, instead of being scuttled," Agra said. "When you're scuttled, you take everything you can off the ship. I think this flag went down with a ship."

For eight years, Agra carried the flag with him to several locations. He has flown the flag over camps in the Philippines, Kuwait, Iraq and now, Afghanistan.

After the flag was raised, Navy Capt. Shawno May, Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan command surgeon directorate, spoke to the formation of sailors.

"The men that served under this flag more than 50 years ago gave their last full measure of devotion," May said. "These men were fighting in the Philippines to help freedom ring in a land where it wasn't. Again, America finds itself in a country where freedom is just beginning to ring."

Master Chief Bennie Gloria, CSTC-A Equal Opportunity advisor, said the ceremony was a perfect way to start the Independence Day celebration.

"It's very important that we remember our shipmates that came before us and lost their lives," Gloria said. "We are their legacy."

When the ceremony ended, the sailors took turns touching the flag and taking in a little part of history.

"I wanted to share it with others," Agra said. "I could have kept it and hung it in my living room, but then I would only see it."

Agra retired from active duty last year and will return to his home in the Philippines after his tour in Afghanistan. When he returns, he plans to donate the flag to a World War II museum and American cemetery near the location it was found.

"It's their flag," Agra said, speaking of the veterans who lost their life in World War II. "It's a symbol. These men lost their lives fighting for their country, they are buried there. That is where the flag should be."

By Army Staff Sgt. Beth Del Vecchio
American Forces Press Service

Army Staff Sgt. Beth Del Vecchio is assigned to Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan.