History Lessons

Cherished and despised Civil War banners

By James Breig A recent post examined how, during the Civil War 150 years ago, the U.S. flag became more beloved in the North and deeply despised in the South. At Gettysburg, Shiloh, Vicksburg and other battles, the Union troops marched proudly beneath Old Glory, while their Dixie opponents had their own banner to cherish…. continue

History Lessons

‘Scars of honor and not disgrace’

By James Breig During the Civil War 150 years ago, flag-bearers were targets. On battlefields from Gettysburg to Petersburg, they were in the crosshairs of their opponents. The reason for that is that they played such a pivotal role when a battle was joined. Soldiers looked to flags, including their regimental colors, to show them… continue