Give Us Liberty Socks
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Description: Although the Commodore Perry Battle Flag is named after Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, the 'Hero of Lake Erie', the actual story behind the flag begins with a lesser known name. Captain James Lawrence wasn't from a traditional naval background, and studied Law before joining the Navy as a midshipman in 1798. He gradually moved up the ranks, becoming a Captain in 1813. However, just two months after becoming a captain, he sailed the USS Chesapeake out of Boston straight toward the blockading HMS Shannon. During the intense, but brief battle, Lawrence was mortally wounded. As his crew rushed him below deck, his dying commands were 'Don't give up the ship!'
