Patriot Day USA

In between Delaware and Philadelphia, one of the most important battles of the US Revolution took place on September 11, 1777. The battle of Brandywine, along the Brandywine Creek. General Washington lost this battle and it opened the door for Loyalist occupation of the nation's original capital, Philadelphia.

Brandywine Creek Flag
September 11, 1777

America's future was in peril, if the British would have been more aggressive, Washington could have been captured. Washington's opponent was an old ally turned new enemy. Previously Washington fought alongside General Howe for King and Country during the 'French and Indian Wars.'

This situation is akin to Grant and Lee who were once allies in the Mexican American War, but later become mortal enemies during the Civil War. But instead of it being North vs. South, one can frame the US Revolution as a proverbial battle of East vs. West. Washington fighting for the West, since he was born on the west side of the Atlantic, and Howe representing the East since he was born on the east side of the Atlantic. Howe was an experienced colonial war veteran who helped destroy the French North American Empire.

Interestingly the Brandywine Flag and Foster Flag are two flags of similar design. The more famous flag is the Battle of Brandywine Flag. According to tradition this flag was flown on September 11, 1777 by the Pennsylvania 7th Regiment under captain Robert Wilson. The battle of Brandywine was one of the largest engagements of the Rebellious West and Loyalist East. Perhaps a reason Brandywine is often overlooked is because the pro UK-Unionists were the victors. Ironically Washington's September 11th defeat was good for his men and nation. The consequence was a permanent forging of the American Spirit unto diamond like resolve. The bitter winter at Valley Forge was a curse as much as it was a blessing.

Forster "First Blood" Flag
April 19, 1775

Another flag of similar mark to the Brandywine flag is the Forster Flag. This flag is originally thought to be a UK regimental flag modified and turned in to a US flag. The story is, on the first day of blood shed between colonials and British troops April 19, 1775 a British flag was captured and turned into a rebel US flag.

Form April 19,1775 until June 14, 1777 there was no official flag, so a variety of flags fluttered for the revolutionary cause.


Eleven years ago in 1999 the US Post Office issued a commorative US Flag set

You can Visit the Battle Brandywine Creek Museum

You can visit the Brandywine Visitor's Center Here