“It’s a grand old flag. It’s a high flying flag. It’s the emblem of the land I love,” wrote immigrant entertainer George M. Cohan. The flag is the symbol of one’s country, but it’s not a uniquely American thing.
Yet, the iconic photo of the flag being raised on Iwo Jima, Japan in 1945, fills Americans with awe. Similarly, the iconic image of the red flag being placed atop the Reichstag by Soviet troops in May 1945 fills Russians with a pride that transcends political ideology.
For thousands of years, human beings have been flying flags to project unity, and inspire nationalism. Hear about the history and power of stars, stripes and other symbols.
Guests:
Dr. Whitney Smith, director of the Flag Research Center in Massachusetts
Carolyn Marvin, professor, Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania.