A 1917 recruitment poster urges young Americans to “Join the Air Service—Learn-Earn,” reflecting the rapid expansion of military aviation during World War I. Centered on the bold star insignia of the U.S. Army Air Service, the design features airplanes and dirigibles that represent the emerging importance of air power in modern warfare. In the foreground, ground crew members prepare an aircraft, emphasizing the technical skills and labor required behind the scenes.
World's Biggest Flag Being Carried in Capitol Parade
Massive American flag being carried down Pennsylvania Avenue in 1932, with the U.S. Capitol rising in the background. Hundreds of people are needed just to keep the flag moving, turning it into the main event of the parade. The country was deep in the Great Depression at the time, and scenes like this were meant to reinforce a sense of unity and pride when everyday life was uncertain. Civic groups regularly organized parades and public displays to remind people of shared traditions and national identity.
