Big Red arrived on March the 5th and was uncrated and inspected. When the final wrapping came off, everyone there was struck with how awesome it is. The pictures do not do it justice. It has been placed in the display room and the unveiling ceremony is set for Friday afternoon, the 19th of March, prior to parade. Ms. Cyndi Pederson, Director of Cultural Affairs will represent the State of Iowa at the unveiling ceremony. She is responsible for the loan of the flag and has been a great supporter in our efforts to bring it home. The grandson and great-grandson (Class of ’77) of Hugh Vincent, the flag maker, will be honored guests as well as the grandson and great grandson (Class 0f ’80) of Cadet Haynsworth, who fired the first shot at the Star of the West. The flag will be available for viewing by the public on Corps Day. We will soon have a link on the CAA website so that you can link to the security camera and view Big Red on-line.
The new Big Red merchandise is now available in the gift shop as well as on-line and is selling briskly. Carolina Flag has sold out their first run of flags and is half way through the second run. Big Red is a big seller. We have the package submitted to the state for a Big Red commemorative license plate for both autos and motorcycles. We are also in discussion with a noted Civil War Artist about a series of numbered and signed prints that would be available for purchase.
The costs to modify the Alumni Center for display of the flag have been greater than anticipated and we are still $20k short of our goal. If you believe in Big Red and the project to secure this historic icon of the SCCC then I ask you to go on-line and donate. Because of your generosity our flag is here and at parade this Friday, the five battalions will be carrying replicas of the real Big Red for the first time in almost 150 years.
Ed Carter ‘66
Chair, Big Red Recovery Committee
Immediate Past president, CAA
Mail Checks to:
Big Red Flag Fund
The Citadel Foundation
171 Moultrie St
Charleston, SC 29409
