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Civil War

Friday, March 29, 2013

Beyond Broomsticks

Salem's Historic 'Old Glory' Mystery

Here's the rest of the story about Old Glory Captain William Driver and the flag that's considered America's second most important flag of record.

On the corner of Essex and North Street there is a small park dedicated to the memory of Captain William Driver and his naming of the United States Flag, “Old Glory". That monument was paid for by donations of the school children of Salem who were moved to do so by a series of talks by Captain Nichols espousing love and respect for the flag. It was 1968 - and a time when traditional patriotic expressions were shredding under the weight of the Vietnam conflict. His talks touched a note with many and resulted in the small park commemorating this sea captain for so naming the flag. William Driver was born in Salem on March 17, 1803. After attending the Hacker School he was apprenticed to a blacksmith, but hated the work and prevailed upon his…

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Peabody Essex Museum

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Beyond Broomsticks

A Look Back at Salem's Medal of Honor Recipients

In honor of Veterans day let's look back at the deeds of valor that generated the highest military award for these five men of Salem.

Long before there was a Armistice or Veterans Day, Salem, like many other places, gave homage to veterans by naming streets and squares after them. Through the years Salem has continued to honor our veterans, both living and dead who exemplified  American resolve and dedication through their actions under fire. Currently there are some 69 squares named for veterans in the city. There are also a number of streets named for veterans including the recently named  Sgt. James Ayube II Memorial Drive who was killed in action in Afghanista on Dec 8, 2011. Salem is noteworthy as having had five (Congressional) Medals of Honor bestowed on Salemites over the years since the Medal of Honor was instituted in 1862. While four of the five were not …

ACG

8:21 am on Sunday, November 11, 2012

Great article. Love local history stories like this and thank you for recognizing local Veterans. I also like that "Congressional" was placed in the manner that it was. "(Congressional)". The medal is awarded by the President on behalf of Congress. It is often erroneously referred to as the Congressional Medal of Honor. For some reason it really irks me when I hear people refer to it as such. "…   more ›

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