A significant piece of American history, the First Rhode Island Regimental Flag, has been delicately ushered into the National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, as part of the exhibit honoring the Army’s 250th anniversary.
Paul Morando, who has dedicated four years to curating this exhibit, expressed the profound stories the flag would tell if it could speak.
So faded that its status as a flag was barely recognizable, this banner was a prominent symbol of resilience, having been present at both Valley Forge and Yorktown.
Morando noted, “This flag has not left the state of Rhode Island since 1784.
We actually had to change the law to allow this flag to come out of the state and be put on display.”
The flag itself is a valuable relic, but what truly captures visitors’ attention are the lifelike figures representing the real individuals who fought for American independence.
Morando emphasized that the exhibit focuses on the personal experiences of soldiers, showcasing their sacrifices and motivations for fighting.
The exhibit begins with Sylvanus Wood, who famously engaged with British forces at Lexington and Concord, a pivotal moment known as the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World.”
Morando reflected, “It’s the moment of no return.
We are in it now, and it’s only going to get worse after this.”
Acclaimed historian Rick Atkinson recently released “The Fate of the Day,” the second volume in his trilogy on the Revolutionary War, starting from the moment American militiamen took their positions at Lexington and Concord.
Atkinson described this moment as both a commencement of the war and a founding moment for the nation itself, emphasizing the militia’s role of occasional fighters—”weekend warriors” who trained periodically for battle.
In contrast, British soldiers were professional troops, often enlisted for life, showcasing their training and military proficiency.
Atkinson described the experience of the British forces, noting, “Men enlist in the army for life, usually.
So, these are troops that know their business.”
What unfolded next was tragically summarized in the local paper as “Bloody butchery.”
Atkinson remarked on the brutal day of fighting, particularly for the British, stating, “There are bodies all the way from Concord to Boston.”
Despite lacking the professionalism of British troops, the Americans proved their capability in combat.
Atkinson stated, “The Americans show that even though they’re not the professional force that the British are, that they know how to fight, they know how to use weapons, and they know how to kill.”
This confrontation marked a significant turning point, prompting the Continental Congress to consider the formation of a dedicated army.
Just two months later, congressional leaders voted to replace part-time militias with a full-time army, despite the militia’s notable performance against the British.
Atkinson explained the necessity for a regular army, saying, “For one thing, they’ve got jobs.
They’re farmers, they’re tradesmen.
They’ve got families to take care of.
You need to make this army into a force that can take on the British full-time.”
June 14, 1775, was subsequently recognized as the birth date of the United States Army—an institution central to the nation’s survival, according to Atkinson.
“It would be the central institution that is going to determine whether or not the United States of America really does become a country,” he asserted.
The commander of this new army is a figure known to many as the father of the country: George Washington.
In Morando’s view, the Revolutionary War would have been markedly different without Washington’s leadership.
Atkinson referred to Washington as “the indispensable man,” noting his talent for maintaining resolve and instilling confidence in both his troops and the broader cause of the Revolution.
He quoted Washington, who told his soldiers, “The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God, on the courage and conduct of this army.”
Atkinson emphasized Washington’s visionary thinking, as he referred to “generations yet unborn”—a sentiment that resonates with present day audiences.
By the summer of 1776, the Declaration of Independence, though signed, was merely a piece of parchment until the soldiers could fight to ensure its ideals.
Atkinson recounted the tension as a formidable British force of 32,000 prepared to attack Washington’s fledgling American Army in New York, marking the first battle after the Declaration was signed.
Morando highlighted the high stakes involved, saying, “A lot is riding on this.
He understands that if he loses this battle, he possibly could lose the war and the revolution itself.”
The British troops, landing on Long Island, executed a plan to outmaneuver Washington’s forces, which led to disastrous consequences for the American side.
Atkinson describes this moment as a near-catastrophe for Washington, saying, “It’s a catastrophe.
He nearly loses the whole game at this point.”
Washington’s narrow escape saw him retreating across the Delaware River into Pennsylvania, leading him to write to his brother, expressing his despair: “I think the game is pretty near up.”
When queried about Washington’s performance during this crisis, Atkinson recognized the doubts some held regarding Washington’s mettle.
“People were beginning to wonder, frankly, does this guy have the right stuff?”
He explained that Washington’s response during desperate circumstances would reveal his character: “He’s going to show that, among other things, he’s very bold, and when he is desperate, he’s dangerous.”
In an audacious move etched in the annals of American history, Washington crossed back over the Delaware and surprising the enemy, which ultimately saved the American Army and allowed them to continue fighting for another seven years.
B.J. Ervik, leading a team of talented artists, captured the sacrifices of this period, illustrating poignant moments such as Sergeant Major William Seymour recording his experiences in a journal, reflecting on the chaos of battle.
Ervik described this as a powerful moment for soldiers confronted with the harsh realities of war, as they sought to make sense of their experiences.
Retired Army Lt. Col. Alayne Conway posed for the representation of Anna Lane, who, in a moment of dire urgency, hands ammunition to her wounded husband amid the looming threat of British attacks.
Conway reflected on her experience posing for the exhibit, stating, “Wow! It’s pretty powerful.
I really see how strong she was.”
Leaders of today’s Army were given a special tour of this pivotal exhibition, culminating in an immersive audio-visual display that recounts the battle of Yorktown, Virginia, where British forces surrendered.
Despite initial dismissals of their capabilities, the American Army endured countless obstacles over the course of 1,300 battles and skirmishes, ultimately triumphing over the British Empire.
Atkinson quoted Major General Nathaniel Greene, who encapsulated the Fortitude of the American spirit: “We fight, get beat, rise, and fight again.”
Atkinson’s closing remarks emphasized the inspiring lessons drawn from the Revolutionary War, stating, “One of the lessons we should take from the Revolution is we’re capable of doing extraordinary things and overcoming extraordinary odds to get where we want to go.”
When reflecting on the brutality and challenges of the war, Atkinson suggested that reverence should be given not to the violence itself, but to the profound outcomes it produced.
He stated, “I think we should revere what came out of it, and we should revere the sacrifices that went into it.
The creation of the American Republic—it’s one of mankind’s greatest achievements.
And how can we not be proud of that?”
The exhibit concludes with a poignant reminder from Founding Father John Adams, addressed to contemporary audiences: “You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom!
I hope you will make a good use of it.”
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