{
  "id": 15795050,
  "title": "Bedford Flag in Bedford, Massachusetts",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/bedford-flag-in-bedford-massachusetts",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-20T20:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Atlas Obscura",
    "slug": "atlas-obscura",
    "url": "https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/bedford-flag"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "The Bedford Flag, located in the historic town of Bedford, Massachusetts, is recognized as the oldest complete surviving flag in the United States. This crimson silk damask flag features an ornate pattern of pomegranates, grapes, and leaves, with a painted armored hand grasping a sword and a banner reading \"Vince Aut Morire, Conquer or Die.\" The flag's creation is believed to have occurred in the early 1700s, given the unique design and Prussian blue pigment used. Owned by the Page family for five generations until 1885, when it was given to the Town of Bedford, the flag has since become an integral part of Bedford's history and heritage. It is displayed in various locations, including being carried by Bedford Minuteman Company reenactors on Patriots' Day and featured on the town's seal, fire and police department uniforms, and flown in front of local homes and businesses.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}