Send us a textFlag Day Special — The Untold Story of Flint’s Civil War Soldiers and the battle flags that led them through America’s defining conflict.In the American Civil War, 90,000 Michigan soldiers marched into battle. Among them were the men of the 10th Michigan Infantry Regiment, organized in Flint, Michigan and mustered into federal service in February 1862. Their service carried them across the war’s most brutal frontlines — Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, and North Carolina — ultimately marching with Sherman to the Sea and helping secure Union victory with the fall of Atlanta.This episode features David Norris, whose great-grandfather Talmon C. Owen fought with the 10th Michigan Infantry. Their regiment suffered 327 casualties, including officers and enlisted men lost to battle and disease. These were Flint’s sons — mill workers, farmers, tradesmen — who shaped the future of the nation.️ The Battle Flags That Led ThemBefore deploying, the Flint soldiers received handmade silken battle flags, gifted by the women of Flint. These flags were not symbolic; they were tactical lifelines on chaotic Civil War battlefields, guiding regiments in smoke, blood, and confusion.After the war, surviving flags were returned to the State of Michigan and entrusted to the governor. Many never made it home.️ Save The Flags — Michigan’s Preservation ProjectMichigan’s Save The Flags initiative preserves 240 historic battle flags from:The Civil WarThe Spanish-American WarWorld War INearly 150 flags have been adopted for conservation by families, schools, civic groups, and historians. Adoption helps fund research, preservation, and public display of these irreplaceable artifacts.Learn more or find a flag to adopt through this statewide initiative.️ Flint’s LegacyThe story of the 10th Michigan Infantry is more than military history — it’s a Flint story. It is a story of working-class courage, community pride, and the sacrifices that shaped America long before the challenges of the 20th and 21st centuries. Subscribe for new episodes (FREE):https://www.radiofreeflint.media Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TheMittenChannel?sub_confirmation=1If you would like to receive new podcast episodes by email please subscribe on our Home Page. All new episode are Free! Subscribe to Radio Free Flint Podcasts at The Mitten Channel: YouTube Full catalogue of podcasts for Radio Free Flint, Flint Justice: America on Trial and Work in the Mitten Subscribe to our mailing list at the Radio Free Flint Podcast. Also Follow us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Linkedin.