Saturday 9 Grand Old Flag

 

Unfamiliar with James Cagney's 1942 version of this song? Hear it here.

1) The flag we currently fly, with 50 stars and 13 stripes, was designed by a high school student. When Alaska and Hawaii were added, President Eisenhower invited Americans to submit designs for how best to incorporate the two new states. Ike chose 17-year-old Robert G. Heft's submission from more than 1500 entries. Tell us about a contest you entered and won. (Or really hoped to win.) 

Our office building held a tenant party with a Caribbean theme and the really big door prize was a cruise to the Bahamas! I WON!!! That was our first cruise! Great time.

2) The government also has another of Mr. Heft's designs waiting: one that incorporates a 51st star if another state is added. When you were in school, did you memorize the states and their capitals?

Possibly, but I knew them from a Milton Bradley game about the states. We learned their mottos, flowers, and capitols. Probably other things as well.

3) Six American flags have been planted on the surface of the moon. Those are undoubtedly the flags farthest from you this morning. Where is an American flag flying near you today? By my front porch.

4) This version of the song was performed by James Cagney in the 1942 classic, Yankee Doodle Dandy. Have you ever seen it? Several times.

5) In that film, Cagney portrayed George M. Cohan, the composer of this week's song. In 1940, Cohan was honored by with a Congressional Gold Medal. In presenting him with the award, President Roosevelt specifically thanked Cohan for "You're a Grand Old Flag," "Yankee Doodle Dandy," and "Over There." What's your favorite patriotic song? I really like You're a Grand Old Flag, America the Beautiful and the song God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood especially.

6) Though a performer his entire life, Cohan disliked listening to recordings of his own voice. How about you? Do you like your singing and/or speaking voice? I do not like to hear or see myself speaking.

7) James Cagney won the Oscar for Best Actor his performance as George M. Cohan. Also nominated that year was Gary Cooper, who portrayed Lou Gehrig in Pride of the Yankees. Tell us about another movie about a great American.  How about Helen Keller, Andrew Jackson, and Lincoln?

8) As a teen, Cagney juggled high school with a variety of jobs, including bell hop and delivery boy, and gave all his earnings to his family. Looking back, Cagney was grateful that he had to begin work early, saying, "I feel sorry for the kid who has too cushy a time of it. Suddenly he has to come face-to-face with the realities of life without his mama and papa to do his thinking for him." Do you agree? I agree. My parents taught us responsibility and stretching a dollar. I bought my first car when I had a real job, when I married, I paid for half the expenses, we never took any money from our parents for anything such as down payments, etc. 

9) Cagney had a rebellious streak. His boss, studio head Jack Warner, nicknamed Cagney, "The Professional Againster." Cagney joked that he enjoyed earning the title. What about you? Are you rebellious? Not so you could tell it, although I have resisted a few times. Hehe!! 

Grand old flag ... Forever in peace may you wave ... the emblem of the land I love, the home of the free and the brave. May every heart beat true for the red, white and blue and remember the sacrifices that made our freedom possible. Don't let it slip away!