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Just looked at Richard Sauers’ book “America’s Battleground” (2005). It indicates that losses in the battle of Ft. McHenry for the U.S. were only four men killed and 24 wounded. The British halted their bombardment on the morning of September 14th when they realized it was ineffective. “That morning, as usual, the fort fired its normal morning gun, hauled down the wet ensign that flew during the battle, then hoisted an over large 32 X 40 foot American flag to show the British that Americans were still full of fight.” No mention of any flag being shot down and replaced or of men being killed to do so. Looks like this audio account is fiction.
Or Sauers’ book is inaccurate.
This should be presented in every 5th grade classroom! Seniors in High School study Government, this would be great information for them! Every family should listen carefully to this inspiring story of American History. Well done and Thank You for providing this!
Jan Mickelson was a great guy but I wonder if this story is true. While it is true that one could signal surrender by lowering your flag, it is not true that a shot down flag meant one had to surrender. The most famous example of this is John Paul Jones during his ship’s battle with the British warship Serapis. During the battle, the American ship’s flag was shot down. The British commander shouted, “Have you struck your colors?” meaning “Have you surrendered?” Jones did not respond, “Darn it! I want to fight, but my flag has been shot down. Therefore, I have to surrender.” No, he famously shouted, “I have not yet begun to fight!” and went on to win the battle.
If Ft. Henry kept firing and showing resistance after the flag was shot down, that would clearly show no surrender. If the British had any question, they could have ceased firing and sent a boat under a flag of truce to make inquiry. Still, it’s a great story.