Flags Fly on July 4th

Flower Box Flag, Hudson River Park, New York City

Happy July 4th!

Did you ever wonder why the American flag is nicknamed Old Glory? Here’s the story behind it.

Sea Captain William Driver (March 17, 1803-March 3, 1886) named the American flag he flew on his ship Old Glory. His flag was sewn by his mother and a group of young, female admirers from his hometown of Salem, Massachusetts.

“Driver was deeply attached to the flag, writing:  ‘”It has ever been my staunch companion and protection. Savages and heathens, lowly and oppressed, hailed and welcomed it at the far end of the wide world. Then, why should it not be called Old Glory?”‘*

Driver retired from seafaring in 1837, bringing his flag with him to Nashville, Tennessee.  When the Confederates tried to seize the flag during the Civil War, Driver saved Old Glory by sewing it into a coverlet.  It remained in hiding until 1862, when Nashville fell to Union troops.

Driver’s original flag and another one he owned were fought over by his daughter and niece.  In 1922, both became part of the collection at the Smithsonian Institution.

Hot Air Balloon Festival, NJ

Flags along Fifth Avenue, New York City.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uncle Sam in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Statue of Liberty in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Flag Cow Statue.

Do you know which state this flag represents? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Do you know which state flag is pictured above?  Hint: the answer lies in the name of this blog.  Okay, I’ll tell you.  The yellow/black and red/white flag is the Maryland flag.

Hon, what are your plans today? I hope they include fireworks!

*Source:  Wikipedia