Visit from the Michigan Army National Guard
Save the Flags was proud to host the Quarterly Commanders Meeting of the Michigan Army National Guard for a viewing of the battle flag collection on April 15, 2026. Many of the current MIARNG units trace their lineage back to Michigan Civil War regiments.
It was such a pleasure and an immense honor to spend time with these dedicated commanders. They and the men and women under their commands keep alive the proud tradition of service and sacrifice of Michigan soldiers.
Our thanks to Brigadier General Rivandra Wagh and command historian Adam Betz for arranging the meeting.
The Miller’s Undying Support
Save the Flags would like to once again thank Bruce and Terri Miller for their undying support of the project. The Millers have stepped forward to adopt another orphan flag (a flag not previously adopted).
SC-79-90 is a designating flag that was used by the First Division of the Ninth Army Corps, Army of the Potomac. Records are scarce as to the provenance of this particular flag, it is sadly unknown when the flag was accessioned into the Capitol Battle Flag collection or the connection it may have to Michigan troops. However, the Division was led by Brigadier General Orlando Willcox (a Michigander and Medal of Honor recipient) from October of 1862 to January of 1863.
Several Michigan regiments fought with this Division, including the 2nd, 8th, 17th, 20th Infantry Regiments. The First Michigan Sharpshooters also belonged to the 9th Corps.
Our hope is that with further research we will eventually be able to more accurately document the provenance of the flag. The flag was produced by the Horstmann Company of Philadelphia.
Our sincere thanks to Bruce and Terri for this adoption and their generous support.
Thank You to The Everett Family
Save the Flags would like to thank The Everett family for their great help with the film premiere of The Battle Flags of Michigan on December 6, 2025. Ella, Rena, Rhett, Lenna, Vada and their parents Scott and Kendra helped with decorations and also assisted Bill Hirsch with making and distributing the popcorn. Rhett Everett recently produced a news piece about the flag film premiere that can be viewed here.
The 17th Michigan Infantry Regiment
Save the Flags would like to thank the members of the Seventeenth Regiment of Michigan (a group of dedicated living historians) for their visit to the battle flag collection on Sunday, April 19, 2026. We would also like to thank the members for their great financial support. They will soon be adopting their 9th flag. Their support has been steadfast throughout the 30+ years of Save the Flags.
Below, members of the group stand before the battle flag of the 17th Michigan Infantry Regiment. This battle flag, SC-63-90, was captured during the horrific fighting at the Mule Shoe salient at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, May 12, 1864, and returned to the state of Michigan in 1895.
