The Bedford Flag

Posted by:

Hey everyone!

This was sent to me by our friend and fellow community member, Deplorable Patriot who hoped I would post it here. One thing though, my apologies but Blogger won't let me set the Harrington font in this site.

Thank you very much brother, and God bless.

-Tex



By E Ashley Rooney

    By 1775, Bedford had many farms and about 470 residents.  The town had allotted a portion of its local militia to “minute man status.” On the morning of April 19, 1775 following the alarm that the British were on the march from Boston, twenty six minute men gathered at Fitch Tavern. Captain Jonathan Wilson looked at his men and said, “It is a cold breakfast, boys, but will give the British a hot dinner; we’ll have every dog of them before night.” The Bedford Minute Men then marched to Concord, joining with the 50 men of the Bedford militia on route. One of the first groups to arrive at Old North Bridge, they participated in the battle.

    Nathaniel Page of the Bedford Minute Men carried the company standard into battle. Supposedly, the flag was first used by a cavalry troop of the Massachusetts Bay militia during the French and Indian Wars. Many sources consider it to be the oldest American flag still in existence. So far it is known as the first flag carried by the colonials into the battle of North Bridge.

    Designed in England sometime between 1660-1670, the almost square piece of red silk damask with a silver and gold design shows the arm of God reaching down from the clouds, with a short sword and a mailed fist on a crimson background. Its Latin motto reads, “Vince aut Morire” (Conquer or Die).

    The story is told that, after the battle, it was brought home and stored in an attic. Originally, it had fringe, but in the early 1800s, one of the women in the household needed to adorn her dress. Hence, no more fringe.                                 

I would like to thank Tex and his new boss Goofy for allowing me to share a tiny piece of our beloved and storied history!  And just so all your readers know I pulled a fast one on Tex as my surname is Harrington so is the Title Font :-)) And to all Happy Patriots Day! 245 years ago this morning!    Never Forget Lexington!
Thanks for stopping by!

Want to get notifications for Articles and Updates at Tex's Place?

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
CLICK/TAP HERE for options
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐