Saturday 9- You're a Grand, Old Flag

You're a 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.)  I can't remember what it was, but when I was in middle school our teacher made us write a story and she entered those stories in something, but mine did not win.  I was musical, so I tried out for All State Honor Choir and I made that, but that is not really a contest is it?  It was a try out...like cheerleading.  I was a cheerleader too.

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?  Yes, we did

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?  We have a flag that flies outside our house.

4) This version of the song was performed by James Cagney in the 1942 classic, Yankee Doodle Dandy. Have you ever seen it?  I had to look up a preview and I do not remember seeing it, but I can tell you I have sang many of those songs featured when I was in choraliers in high school (song and dance group).  

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?  Star Spangled Banner and God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood.

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? Oh NO!  My voiced is squeaky, I think it is so annoying to listen to on tape.

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.  42 was really good about Jackie Robinson.  Selma was wonderful (Martin Luther King Jr.)  I have not seen it, but I am positive that I will love the movie about Mr. Rogers.  

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?  Yes, I do agree completely!  I see young people making poor decisions all of the time, but that is how you learn.

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 really.  I can be, but it is so random.

Happy 4th of July!!!