"DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP"

[orangecrush]

The quote is from an ensign flown by Commander Oliver Perry, whose fleet was based in my town of Erie, Pa., during the war of 1812.

"The "Don't Give Up the Ship" flag originated from the dying words of Captain James Lawrence during a losing battle in the War of 1812. His friend, Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, adopted the phrase and had the blue battle ensign made, flying it on his flagship during the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813. Perry's victory at Lake Erie popularized the flag as a symbol of American naval resilience, and the original flag is now displayed at the U.S. Naval Academy Museum."

Don’t give up the ship.

— Just Jack (@just-jack-1.bsky.social) 2025-11-19T11:55:44.156Z

[Omnipresent]

1. Then why are they in that rowboat?

[orangecrush]

3. Perry had his ship blown to pieces

Transferred to the USS Niagra to win the battle of Put In Bay.

He fought until his ship was sinking rather than surrender.

The slogan has been adopted by the 10 Democrats Trump said should be executed.

[Omnipresent]

7. It's a good thing he had that flag made up before getting into the rowboat!

[orangecrush]

10. Here

The "Don't Give Up the Ship" flag originated from the dying words of Captain James Lawrence during a losing battle in the War of 1812. His friend, Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, adopted the phrase and had the blue battle ensign made, flying it on his flagship during the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813. Perry's victory at Lake Erie popularized the flag as a symbol of American naval resilience, and the original flag is now displayed at the U.S. Naval Academy Museum.

[orangecrush]

11. OK, because of YOU

I had to edit the op!





The quote was from a dying officer in the war of 1812, not from Perry.

Perry had a flag made with the quote on it.



Geez!

[Sneederbunk]

4. Don't give up the rowboat doesn't have the same ring to it.

[orangecrush]

6. ...

[ITAL]

2. Saw the original

That was worth the trip to the Naval Academy by itself.

[orangecrush]

5. I visit the Niagra

Every summer.

She still sails.

[bluescribbler]

8. I beg to differ.

James Lawrence was the naval officer who gave that command as he was carried dying below decks. Commodore adopted the quote for his battle flag in tribute to his friend.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Lawrence

[wolfie001]

9. Thank you!

I was about to post but decided to read the comments. Perry used the quote. The original ship was in fact surrendered. I think enough time has past that we can have a hearty laugh about this. So much mythology and truth-stretching from back then.

[orangecrush]

13. I've seen the Niagra sailing more times than I can count

And slipped up on the history.

Thanks for setting the record straight.

[wolfie001]

15. Oh yes! Truly a miraculous and brave performance by our fleet that day

On Lake Erie! I have the commemorative postage stamp somewhere. Cheers

[orangecrush]

16. Cheers!

orangecrush reflected in memorial...


[url=https://ibb.co/HfmwJyhw][img][/img][/url]

[orangecrush]

12. OP corrected to reflect this

Thanks!

[ananda]

14. Like

That is so moving.

[orangecrush]

17. Thank you

[pat_k]

18. It's also a saying the Democratic Party could take to heart.

When principle demands action, win or lose, come hell or high water, you act.

You don't give up the ship. You battle it out with everything you've got to the end, even if that end is a loss.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100220817944