2018 U.S. Flag Forever Postage Stamps Coil First-Class

During the April 1861 battle, the flag’s pole was shot down and a lone soldier braved heavy enemy fire to raise it again.  After the battle ended, the fort’s commander insisted the flag be lowered to a 100-gun salute.  During the ceremony, the guns accidentally set off a pile of rifle cartridges, killing two men and injuring five others.  The first casualties of the war were suffered while paying honor to the flag.

 That battle-worn flag was taken to New York City for a Union rally attended by over 100,000 people.  The Fort Sumter flag then went on a multi-city tour through the North.  In each town, it was auctioned off to raise money for the war effort.  Whoever won the flag then donated it back to be auctioned in the next city.  The flag served as an important patriotic symbol and rallying point throughout the war.  It was returned to Fort Sumter exactly four years after the surrender as part of the celebrations of the Union’s victory.