Save the Flags: The Story of a Flint Civil War Battle Flag

Our podcast today is about Save The Flags Which is a State of Michigan project to preserve, research and display 240 battle flags carried by Michigan soldiers in the Civil War, the Spanish American War and World War I. It now has an “adoption” program to conserve these flags. For a donation of $1,000 individuals, organizations, schools, families and communities can help with the preservation, research and display of the flags by “adopting” flags in the collection. To date, almost 150 flags — mostly from the Civil War — have been adopted, providing the project with much-needed funds.
Flint resident David Norris' great-grandfather, Talmon C. Owen, fought with the 10th Michigan Infantry in the Civil War. The 10th Michigan Infantry was organized at Flint, Michigan, and mustered into Federal service for a three-year enlistment on February 10, 1862.  This Michigan unit fought their way in support of and on the front-lines, all the way with Sherman to the Sea. They were part of the attack and taking of Atlanta.  Regiment lost during service 7 Officers and 95 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 2 Officers and 223 Enlisted men died by disease. Total 327
Michigan State Capitol construction initiated in 1872, just seven years after the end of the Civil War. The building was built in large part to serve as a memorial to the sacrifices made by the Great Lakes State in the war and through the years this connection has continued.
Before leaving for the field of battle the men of these regiments were presented with beautiful silken flags. The regiments received a stand of colors consisting of two flags: a national flag and a regimental flag. The national flag was the traditional American red, white, and blue Stars and Stripes. The regimental flag typically had a solid blue field emblazoned with the Federal or Michigan coat of arms. The flags quite often were presented to the regiments by the ladies of their communities in grand ceremonies.
Music provided in this episode is courtesy of songwriter David O. Norris, who wrote the Song "Peach Tree Creek".  Folk singer Neil Woodward performs the song written in honor of Flint's 10th Infantry who fought valiantly in the Civil War battle at Peach Tree Creek. That critical battle that led to the fall of Atlanta.  David Norris' great grandfather, Talmon Owens, fought on the side of the Union Army in this battle.  
Folk singer Neil Woodward Neil Woodward is recipient of 2018 State of Michigan Heritage Award "in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Michigan's cultural heritage."  In 2003 the Legislature of the State of Michigan officially named Neil Woodward Michigan’s Troubadour in recognition of his life long commitment to preservation of Great Lakes folk music and culture.  You can listen to more of Neil Woodward's music at https://www.neilwoodward.com
Special thanks to our guests David O. Norris, Neil Woodward and Mattew J. VanAker, Director, Tour, Education and Information Service, Michigan State Capitol and Save The Flags, Curator. For more information on how you can help Save the Flags visit: http://capitol.michigan.gov/SaveTheFlags 
#SaveTheFlags  #CivilWarHistory  #Flint #NeilWoodward #MichiganCivilWarHistory

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