Ep 1. The Ground Zero Flag

In the first episode of Brad Meltzer's Lost History, titled "The Ground Zero Flag," we are taken on a journey to uncover the fascinating story behind the iconic American flag that was raised over the rubble of the World Trade Center after the tragic September 11 attacks.

Host Brad Meltzer introduces us to the pivotal moment when three firefighters, George Johnson, Dan McWilliams, and Bill Eisengrein, stumbled upon the flag while searching for survivors in the wreckage of the Twin Towers. Despite the destruction around them, these brave men were determined to raise the flag as a symbol of hope and unity during a time of great despair.

The episode follows the journey of the flag as it makes its way from Ground Zero to a secret military base in Afghanistan, where it was taken on a mission to rally troops and boost morale during the early stages of the war on terror.

We are introduced to a number of experts and officials who played a key role in the flag's journey, including retired Marine Corps General Peter Pace, former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, and members of the FBI's art crimes unit.

Through in-depth interviews and archival footage, we learn about the painstaking process of identifying and authenticating the flag, which had been missing for years before it was rediscovered in Washington State.

The episode also delves into the controversy surrounding the proposed plans to move the flag to a museum in New York City, generating heated debates about the symbolic significance of the flag and whether it should be kept in a private collection or displayed publicly for all to see.

Ultimately, the story of the Ground Zero flag is a poignant reminder of the power of symbolism in times of crisis. In the aftermath of 9/11, the flag became a symbol of hope, resilience, and patriotism for millions of Americans. Its journey from the rubble of Ground Zero to the battlefield in Afghanistan and back again is a testament to the enduring spirit of the American people, and a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve our country.