A new Lenticular Diorama is in place at the Town of Newburgh Town Hall. The theme of this display is to respect the American Flag regardless of its condition.
A plaque mounted next to the flag is a modification of George M. Cohan’s “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and Johnny Cash’s song “Ragged Old Flag”. The flag’s lenticular technology enables its stars to change from 50 to 13 as you walk by.

“You’re a Grand Old Flag” was written by George M. Cohan for his 1906 stage musical “George Washington, Jr.” The song was introduced to the public in the play’s first act on opening night, February 6, 1906, in New York’s Herald Square Theater. Mr. Cohan also wrote “Over There,” which was a song to inspire enlistment for World War I, and “I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy.” George M. Cohan was born on July 3, 1878 in Providence, Rhode Island and passed away on November 5, 1942

“Ragged Old Flag” was written in 1974 while Johnny Cash was in Binghamton, N.Y. and was inspired by the political turbulence resulting in Nixon’s impeachment and the Watergate scandal. Although Cash had publicly supported Nixon’s candidacy, he had started questioning the wisdom of Nixon-era policies concerning the Vietnam War. He wrote “Ragged Old Flag” to reaffirm faith in the country and the goodness of the American people.

Cash was born on February 26, 1932 in Kingsland, Arkansas and passed away on September 12, 2002.

All visitors to the Town of Newburgh Town Hall are encouraged to stop by the Town Hall Meeting Room to experience this lenticular diorama on display to celebrate Flag Day.