I just got to see an amazing heirloom from my father's side of the family which was a congressional medal of Honor awarded to our family member for capturing the battle flag of the 61st Alabama infantry at the battle of Five Forks. He crossed enemy lines to achieve this feat, and while I was left in awe of getting to see and hear about such a well preserved piece of history that had been stumbled upon by accident, I was also left feeling a bit confused. What was the significance of these battle flags, and why would capturing one be Medal of Honor worthy? I don't mean to sound ignorant, but if a soldier under my command risked so much just for a flag I would think I would be more inclined to slap them across the head rather than award them.
P.S. Would I be correct in assuming this is the inspiration for the game "capture the flag?"
I am no professional on the subject, however I know that back in the Napoleonic Era, the British would mostly carry 2 flags. The regimental colors and the Kings colors. And as they call it the 'age of gentlemen' , it says enough about status and pride during that time. So loosing the regimental colours would mean loss of face and demoralized troops. But to loose the Kings colors would most likely mean the end of your career (as an officer) and the regiment. Your families name would be in disgraced and the king himself would hear of your failure. As for the troops, the colours would stand symbolic for the country. And it would be an honor to carry the flag. I guess this last is similar in the Civil War, but the flag would represent what the side believed in and stood for. Don't forget however, that the basic use of flags, was for commanders to see where each regiment was. And as an soldier seeing your enemies flag wave above your previous position might hit moral once again.
Like I said before, not a professional at all. Just a history fan. But this is what I read and learned about it.
I am jealous on your heirloom, keep it safe and treasure it. It meant a great deal to your ancestors. And pas on the story, keep it alive ^ ^