The Society of the War of 1812 has maintained a Color Guard for over 75 years. The 1812 Color Guard parades the Society’s collection of reproductions of battle flags used by Pennsylvania regiments in the War of 1812. The Colors are paraded and displayed at the Society’s official functions and ceremonies, including the Annual Church Service, the Annual Meeting and Luncheon, grave marking ceremonies of Pennsylvania War of 1812 veterans, plaque and historical marker dedications, and wreath-laying ceremonies for national holidays, including Memorial Day and and Veterans Day.
The current Colors include:
– the current United States flag;
– the U.S. flag flown over Fort McHenry which inspired the writing of our National Anthem;
– the flag of the General Society of the War of 1812;
– Captain Oliver Hazard Perry’s “Don’t Give Up The Ship” ensign that was flown on the U.S.S. Niagara during the victory of the Battle of Lake Erie;
– the Easton Flag, this flag was used by Captain Abraham Horn’s Company of Easton, Pennsylvania during the War of 1812. The original Easton Flag is on display at the Easton Area Public Library.
The Society is always on the look-out for images of flags utilized by Pennsylvania regiments in the War of 1812. We are particularly interested in the flags of the Pittsburgh Blues and Greensburg Rifles that valiantly served under General William Henry Harrison in the North West Army, and the companies from York and Hanover that took part in the Defense of Baltimore and the Battle of North Point.
Should you come across any images or descriptions of War of 1812 flags, please email them to: [email protected]
Thank you for your assistance!
