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The regimental, battery, or company set of colors was more than simply a unit designation, it was the very symbol of the regiment - it was its heart. Fiercely defended in action, where they flew in the center of the line, they drew relentless enemy fire upon their bearer. Allowing the colors to be captured was the ultimate disgrace and extreme sacrifices were made to both save and capture them. Flags of the Civil War provides an unrivalled wealth of information on the Confederate, Union, State, and Volunteer flags which were borne into battle. At Bull Run, Shiloh, Antietam, and Gettysburg, these proud banners provided an inspiration, rallying point, and focus for some of the bloodiest and most heroic fighting of the war.
