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 think of any contests I've won, though I'm sure I've surely won some minor ones back in the day. I'll chalk my forgetfulness up to being really tired tonight (Friday). Obviously, I've never won, but every year I enter to win the HGTV house of the year...well, except for the year it was a ski lodge in Vermont or some hideous wintry place.

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?  I suppose I did, but I don't really remember. I do remember going over them with my kids when they were in school.

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?  There is always a flag flying in the front yard, but I also have a couple of small flags tucked into my houseplants. Those are closer.

4) This version of the song was performed by James Cagney in the 1942 classic, Yankee Doodle Dandy. Have you ever seen it?  A long, long time ago. It's not a movie that seems to pop up on TV very often.

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?  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?  Not at all. My speaking voice is kind of nasal-y and my singing voice....let's not go there!

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.  Well, it's about a group of pretty great Americans. I really liked Hidden Figures. I had never heard the story of those women and how they were responsible for doing the math of the space program. They were some brilliant ladies.

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?  Up to a point. I think it's good for kids to have to earn some of the things they want, but it's also important for them to have time to be kids. My husband, for example, has been working full-time since he was 15 years old...and he worked on the farm and did other jobs before that. He doesn't really have any clue how to relax and have fun.

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?  When I was young I was VERY rebellious. My mom used to refer to me and my adopted dad as "a train wreck looking for a place to happen." These days I'm not rebellious just for the sake of being rebellious, but I will rebel if it's for something important.

Thanks to Crazy Sam over at Saturday 9 for the questions we love to answer!