What’s Happening:

All over the country, Americans proudly salute our flag. We gladly call it “Old Glory.” But do you know why it’s called that?

One American flag was called “Old Glory.” It survived sea journeys, endured attacks by Confederate soldiers, and survived a family feud.

From National Flag Foundation:

Always flying high above [William] Driver’s ship was his favorite flag, which he soon named Old Glory. As Driver once wrote, “It has ever been my staunch companion and protection. Savages and heathens, lowly and oppressed, hailed and welcomed it at the far end of the wide world. Then, why should it not be called Old Glory?”

A merchant seaman named William Driver took over his own ship in 1824. Flying high on that ship was an American flag sewn by his mother and a few female admirers.

Driver took the flag all over the world. He carried it even during intense times of battle and adversity.

He named the flag “Old Glory” to commemorate how it had accompanied him on many journeys and adventures.

After ending his career at sea, he brought the flag to his new Nashville home. Even as the nation grew, Driver added stars to the flag to honor the new states.

Driver held onto the flag even when Confederate soldiers demanded it during the Civil War. He even hid it inside a bedquilt when the fighting got tough.

But he brought it out and proudly flew it when the Union forces liberated Nashville.

When Driver died, he entrusted Old Glory to one of his daughters. In time, it made its way to President Harding.

Today, it can be seen at the Smithsonian Institution.

We call all American Flags, “Old Glory” thanks to this intrepid flag’s adventures. And it honors a brave American patriot, who stood by the country even in its darkest hour.

Key Takeaways:

• “Old Glory” was originally a flag owned by sea merchant William Driver.
• He kept the flag when returning home and refused to give it up during the Civil War.
• The flag is now at the Smithsonian Institution.

Source: National Flag Foundation