Flags of Our Fathers

It has been nearly 60 years since the USA reached its current status with 50 States. Three major wars were fought by the US during the period when the flag of our fathers and grandfathers was our national banner.

First, there was World War 1; sometimes known as "The Great War" or "The War to End All Wars." It's been just a few years since the last veterans of that war passed away. This year marks the centennial of its ending. Then, there was World War 2. There are still some veterans of that conflict alive, though some of them are more than 100 years old now. Finally, there was the Korean Conflict. Veterans of that war are well over 80. Vietnam was our first major war in which our armed forces fought under a 50 star flag.

Memorial Day was established shorly after the Civil War to remember our soldiers that have been killed while serving in our armed forces. Veteran's Day, on the other hand, was established after the end of the First World War on Novmember 11. In the US, it is intended to honor all veterans, living and dead. Things do get a little more confusing, since in The Commonwealth, November 11 is known as Remembrance Day (evolving out of Armistice Day) and it honors those that died while serving. I don't think the British/Canadians/Anzacs have anything equivalent to Memorial Day.

Anyway, this year, we elected to remember those of the past on Memorial Day with our 48 Star Flag.