Saturday, September 8, 2012

Civil War Battle Flags Offer A Glimpse Of Greatness

By Kerri Turner


During the tumultuous years of the war fought between two regions of America, there was perhaps no emblem as significant and important as that of the nation's flag. Civil war battle flags became important symbols that inspired reverence in all who laid eyes on them. They were pennants to represent not only the country, but the states and various regiments as well and the significance of their role cannot be downplayed.

In times of battle when men took to the fields to fight for their beliefs, these flags were extraordinarily important. They marked locations and positions so that soldiers could stay with their fellow troops and follow the commands given by the generals. The training that soldiers endured often directed them to remain close to the flag and always be on the lookout for it even when chaos was erupting all around them.

Colors played an important part in the distinction of a specific flag and helped men to identify their regiment more easily. Commanders would come up with designs that would be made into special flags which were used in combat. It was a challenge for anyone to know what was happening on the battlefield because of the heavy artillery fire causing smoke, deafening sounds, and constant confusion.

At the time, the United States was essentially divided into two separate nations consisting of the North and the South, which went by the name the Confederacy. Both groups had their own flags and the US stars and stripes which are still used today resemble the many redesigns that took place during that war. Individual regiments had their own pennants as well and some states also created designs.

A team of esteemed soldiers was chosen by the commanding officer to be the color guard and they were entrusted with carrying the flags during battle. Two men were given the duty of holding the regiment symbol and the nation's symbol while the remaining two soldiers were to be their guards. This position came with no small amount of respect and while an honorable position, it was often a fatal one.

In order to be chosen as a color guard, one had to display great courage. These brave men would be unarmed even while under direct fire. At all times they had to follow the lead of their commander and face the enemy and could not retreat, otherwise the rest of the troops might follow.

It is very rare to see a flag from this era today that is in great condition. They can fetch a very large sum of money at auction or through a sale from a private collector. Many of the original artifacts have suffered not only from original damage but also from the wear and tear of time.

You can buy reproductions of these civil war battle flags and many people like to display them to show respect. They have a real sense of pride attached to them since they are ultimately, a symbol of a place and a people who fought with honor and dignity. Fine reproductions can be crafted out of cotton and cheaper versions from polyester materials with screen printing.




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