Civil War Round Table of the Mid-Ohio Valley plans presentation on flag that inspired national anthem

MARIETTA -- The next meeting of the Civil War Round Table of the Mid-Ohio Valley will focus on the American flag that inspired the lyrics to the national anthem.

Author, historian and retired sports journalist Tom McMillan will present "Our Flag Was Still There: The Star-Spangled Banner that Survived the British and 200 Years - And the Armistead Family Who Saved It" at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 320 Second St., Marietta.

Francis Scott Key saw the original "Star-Spangled Banner" flying defiantly over Baltimore Harbor in the early morning mist on Sept. 13, 1814, following a 25-hour bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British Navy.

Torn, tattered and reduced in size by souvenir hunters over the years, and hidden in a New York City vault for the last decades of the 19th century, the original flag is displayed today at the Smithsonian Museum. Its presence there after more than 200 years is an improbable story of dedication, persistence, patriotism, family squabbles and much more than a little good fortune.

McMillan said Americans have the Armistead family to thank for the preservation of this national treasure.

"First and foremost is Lt. Col. George Armistead, commander of Fort McHenry, who took the flag home with him after the battle as a souvenir," McMillan said. "It's a complete violation of U.S. Army regulations. He stole the flag, but it remained in the possession of family members for 90 years and no one knew about it. That's why it exists today. His grandson, George Armistead, donated the flag to the Smithsonian Institute in 1907. It is largely because of Lt. Col. Armistead's indiscretion that the flag remains with us today."

McMillan will tell the story of the flag's perilous journey through three-centuries in a collection of "stories behind the story" with insights into family members and others, including John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, and an account of one of the most treasured national relics.

McMillan dedicated a lifetime to a career in sports journalism but he admits his passion is history. He is retired following a 43-year career in sports media with The Pittsburgh Press and as vice president of communications with the five-time NHL Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins. He has served on the Board of Trustees of the Heinz History Center, Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial and the marketing committee of The Gettysburg Foundation.

His previous books include "Flight 93: The Story, The Aftermath and the Legacy of American Courage on 9/11" (2014); "Gettysburg Rebels: Five Native Sons Who Came Home to Fight as Confederate Soldiers" (2017); and "Armistead and Hancock: Behind The Gettysburg Legend of Two Friends at the Turning Point of the Civil War" (2021).

As always, the public is welcome and there is no cost to attend. Small donations will be accepted to defray a portion of the cost of the event. The presentation is made possible through a matching grant secured from the Ohio Arts Council.

The meeting venue offers handicapped parking, no steps and access to seating for those with mobility limitations. Accommodations for other disabilities will be considered. Contact cwrtmov@gmail.com or 740-706-2575 for more information.

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* What: Next regular meeting of the Civil War Round Table of the Mid-Ohio Valley

* When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18

* Where: St. Luke's Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 320 Second St., Marietta

* Presentation: Author, historian and retired sports journalist Tom McMillan will present "Our Flag Was Still There: The Star-Spangled Banner that Survived the British and 200 Years - And the Armistead Family Who Saved It"