On the first anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Pottsville Republican marked the occasion by displaying the flags of the Allied nations – referred to then as the “United Nations” – on the exterior of its Mahantango Street headquarters in Downtown Pottsville.
This patriotic tribute served as a visual symbol of global unity in the fight against fascism, as the United States and its allies fought across Europe, Africa, and the Pacific as the Second World War raged.
A photograph of the display appeared in the December 7, 1942, evening edition of the Pottsville Republican, with the following caption:
“Colorful flags of the United Nations unfurled in the breeze from the ‘Republican’ building today as Schuylkill County paused to remember December 7th of a year ago.
The striking flag display, highlighted by a huge, new American star-spangled banner, and the initial appearance of the flag of Brazil in the region.
Besides their holiday duties at the ‘Republican,’ the flags have appeared in parades, flag-raising programs, patriotic ceremonies, and church services all over the county. For identification purposes, large printed names of various United Nations are attached to the windows nearest the respective flags.”
This public demonstration of unity and remembrance emphasized Schuylkill County’s deep commitment to the war effort, as local families had already begun sending sons, daughters, and resources to aid in the global struggle against the Axis Powers.
This flag tribute in Pottsville was part of a nationwide effort to remind Americans of their shared sacrifice, their global allies, and the importance of victory over fascism in World War II.
Read more Pearl Harbor stories
Killed Aboard the USS Arizona – Seaman First Class Paul Shiley and the Attack on Pearl Harbor
Ivan C. Lewis | Pearl Harbor survivor lost while serving with the 8th Air Force in 1943
A Pennsylvania teenager remembers learning of the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941
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