Post date: Jan 18, 2014 12:58:30 AM
This past year (2013) we commenced the project to replace our 20+ years old National/Battle flag. The maker correctly copied the original as closely as could be done and we flew it for the first time at the Stones River anniversary which was the first major battle in which the original flag flew with the 9th KY engaged. We look forward to many more years with it.
Now our attention has turned to replacing the Regimental flag. The original 9th KY Regimental colors have never been located if they even have survived to present day. What is more no photograph nor written descriptions exist as far as have been located. What we do know is that Hugh Wilkins of Louisville made the original. A research paper has been compiled and will be circulated among the current members to decide which of the versions that Wilkins was making we should reproduce. We do know that the original was more square than the rectangle flag we have flown these 20+ years. We also know well that the flag was dark blue instead of the faded purple hue we now have.
This flag, according to the maker will cost much more than the National/Battle flag. This is because there is a great deal of art and painting on both sides. We need to gather all available funds as quickly as we can for this purpose but will continue taking donations from anyone, members former and current, descendants, or just interested parties at any time. We the current - and future members will admire the new flag every time it is unfurled and can take pride as we honor the 9th KY.
Anyone wishing to donate to the flag fund, please send checks made payable to: "9th KY Inf. Vols." and the reason for the check marked "Flag" to Jim Kant, 2519 Lear Ct., Murfreesboro, TN 37129. As our treasurer, he will deposit and keep track of the fund so when we have reached a point where we feel safe that we will have the total we can make the order and wait the several months to a year for it to be delivered.
UPDATE: The flag fund was able to pay the amount ($2200) in full in early Oct. 2014 and the flag maker has the order. It should be ready by Spring 2015!
Update: As of the end of 2021, we are still waiting on the flag to be completed. The artist suffered medical issues that got him far behind schedule. We have seen progress photos of it through 2021 so it is being worked on. The artist says he hopes to complete it in the spring of 2022. We shall see.....
We were contacted by the artist early in April, 2022 saying that he is nearly done - finally! He still has to do some finishing touches on "George and Daniel".
Long sigh, as an update once again the artist notified us in late June, 2022 saying he had some family issues that held him up more. He assures us we will someday get the completed flag. It has been 8 years since we paid in-full. We can honestly say we will never hire Historic Flag Co. to make anything again. While the artist does excellent work, it only took Michelangelo 5 years to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
We finally received the flag the first week of October, 2022. It is beautiful.