Bedford Flags

The Minutemen were civilian colonists who independently organized and formed highly prepared militia companies. Entirely self-trained in weaponry, tactics, and military strategies from the American colonial partisan militia during the American Revolutionary War, they were known to be ready, "at a minute's notice," giving them the name, Minutemen.

The Bedford Flag depicts an armored arm grasping a straight sword. The two sides are asymmetrical, the sword appears wrapped by the motto on the ribbon on one side and appears before the ribbon on the other. The Latin motto: Vince Aut Morire ("Conquer or Die") reads from top to bottom on one side, and bottom to top on the other.

There are no records of the exact age or who designed this flag originally, but consistent evidence of it begins at dates as early as the 18th century.

It became an important symbol of the Revolution as unit flags were an important function and served as a rallying point on 18th-century battlefields. The Bedford Flag soon became representative of the early American Revolution, specifically the militia's resistance at Concord as the only militia flag present at the battle according to tradition.

The original flag was made of silk damask.

Our Bedford flag at 36" x 45" is made with durable, lustrous nylon. Nylon is the top choice for these flags as the material is lightweight enough for the flag to fly free, and durable enough to shed water, dries quickly and can resist sun damage. Nylon also holds and presents brighter, deeper colors that show beautifully on the Bedford Flag.

Our recreation has been made with painstaking attention paid to getting this flag as perfect as the original must have been. This authentic antique recreation has two brass grommets that allow ease of display. 100% made right here in the USA, the Bedford Flag is a must-have for any history fan and history buff.