Young Washington' and Red Erwin: The Rest of the Story

Young Washington and Red Erwin: The Rest of the Story connects early U.S. leadership themes with the Medal of Honor narrative through a planned follow-up that shifted after a family call. The author, discussing the “A Republic, if You Can Keep It” tribute to America’s Liberty’s 250th anniversary, had intended to focus on George Washington’s Farewell Address, but a recommendation led to a broader link between Washington and Medal of Honor recipient Henry “Red” Erwin. The piece recounts watching the theater production “Young Washington” with the family and notes the author’s prior experience seeing “Hacksaw Ridge,” featuring Army Medal of Honor recipient Desmond Doss. A podcast interview highlighted by Mike Rowe is presented as the pivot: it includes Jon Erwin, director of “Young Washington,” who is also working on a sequel film titled “1776.” The author frames the story around who Staff Sergeant Henry “Red” Erwin was, though the excerpt ends before that historical detail is fully developed.