Apparatus for recreating and illuminating a visual image

A display apparatus adapted to receive electric power from an electric power source, comprising;

• a plurality of illumination devices, the devices giving light when electrically powered, the devices being in electric communication with the electric power source;
• and
• a substantially planar element having a visual image of the United States flag as of 2002 A.D. thereon, the visual image having a first visual feature consisting of fifty stars, with each star having one aperture extending through the planar element, and a second visual feature consisting of a plurality of alternating red and white horizontal stripes, with each stripe having a number of the apertures spaced along its length in linear fashion and extending through the planar element, the apertures in the first and second visual features being closely aligned with each of the visual features, each of the apertures having one of the illumination devices positioned therein, the number and spacing of the illumination devices being sufficient to substantially recreate the visual features of the visual image, while simultaneously illuminating the visual features, the planar element also having a plurality of apertures forming a perimeter about the fifty stars, each aperture in the perimeter having an illumination device positioned therein, the planer element further being flexible;
• a mounting structure for mounting the planar element thereon, the mounting structure having apertures corresponding with the planar element apertures, the illumination devices being attached to the mounting structure by frictional fit in the mounting structure apertures, the mounting structure being enclosed;
• and
• a controller for selectively controlling the electric power to at least one of the illumination devices by, both singularly and in various combinations:
• independently powering the illumination devices;
• independently powering groups of the illumination devices;
• causing at least one of the illumination devices to flash;
• causing at least one group of the illumination devices to flash;
• causing at least one of the illumination devices to vary in illumination intensity;
• causing at least one group of the illumination devices to vary in illumination intensity;
• causing at least one group of the illumination devices to be sequentially illuminated, the sequencing being repeated;
• causing at least one group of the illumination devices to be sequentially illuminated, the sequencing being coordinated among the illumination devices in at least one other group of illumination devices.