WASHINGTON, May 27 (UPI) -- The Smithsonian Institution's Museum of American History opens two exhibitions Friday saluting the new World War II memorial on the Mall in Washington, D.C.
Historic flags are the focus of an exhibition titled "So Proudly We Hail," including the 31-star flag Commodore Matthew C. Perry carried when he entered Japan in 1853, used 92 years later at Japanese surrender ceremonies aboard the battleship Missouri that ended World War II.
Other flags to be displayed are the American flag raised over Iwo Jima and the first American flag brought into conquered Berlin in 1945 by U.S. troops. The exhibit will close on Labor Day.
The second exhibit, to run through next January, features photographs by Robert Capa, Margaret Bourke-White, and others noted for their wartime work and is titled "WWII Photographic Perspectives." During the summer there also will be war-related public programs starting with a WWII Homefront Family Festival of musical performances, films, and several special displays.
