Have you ever wondered why the flag of the United States is referred to as “Old Glory”? This famous name was coined by Captain William Driver, a ship master of Salem, Massachusetts. In 1831 as he was leaving on one of his many voyages aboard the brig ‘Charles Doggett’ to rescue the mutineers of the BOUNTY some friends presented him with a beautiful flag of twenty four stars. As the banner opened to the ocean breeze for the first time, he exclaimed “Old Glory!”

He retired to Nashville in 1837, taking his treasured flag from his sea days with him. His grave is located in the old Nashville City Cemetery, and is one of three (3) places authorized by act of Congress where the Flag of the United States may be flown 24 hours a day.

One of the most stirring memories I have of the flag is when I was a volunteer for the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City and at the opening ceremonies they carried in the flag that had been at the World Trade Center. It was a very somber and patriotic moment.

Do you have a special memory about the flag?

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