Existing comment:
31-Star Flag:
This 31-star flag, probably made by a sailor, was the first American flag hoisted over Japanese soil. It was raised at Uraga, near Yokohama, on July 14, 1853, during Perry's first interview with the imperial commissioners. It was presented to the Naval Academy during graduation exercises on June 12, 1855, by Surgeon Ninian Pinkney, a friend of Perry's, and a native of Annapolis who was born in the Hammond Harwood House just outside Gate 3 of the Academy.
In August 1945, it was flown to Japan and was displayed on board the USS Missouri during the ceremonies marking the end of World War II. |