Who thought of having the flag aver school buildings?

This wonderful idea came into being exactly one hundred years after the inauguration of President George Washington. Our nation was just one hundred years old, and on April 29 and 30, 1889, the people turned out to celebrate the birthday.

President Benjamin Harrison took part in the ceremonies and re enacted the things done by George Washington one hundred years before. He came up from Elizabeth Port and was rowed to the foot of Wall Street. For when George Washington took the oath of office, New York City was the nation's capital. He then rode up Broadway to Madison Square.

This ride was between welcoming throngs and flag lined buildings. President Harrison was deeply moved by this display of our nation’s flag and wondered how the brave banners could be put to further use. In a letter written later, President Harrison stated that the great idea occurred to him as he rode through the crowds of celebrators. He suggested that flags be given to the school houses and there displayed so that the children should learn that the flag was not only a sign of war, that it was also an emblem of government.