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“Honor the Colors” this Memorial Day
Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans–the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.)— established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared it should be May 30. It is believed the date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country. The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.
The State Historical Museum’s exhibit, “Honor the Colors: Iowa’s Civil War Battle Flags” takes a look at the Iowa soldiers who fought in the War. Flags restored and conserved by State Historical Society staff are rotated into the exhibit as they are completed. The exhibit will be on display through 2006.
Also on display is “In Memorium: The Grand Army of the Republic in Iowa,” which examines the role of this group in shaping Iowa in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The G.A.R. is a patriotic organization of American Civil War veterans who served in the Union forces.
“People interested in learning more about the Civil War flock to the State Historical Museum to see, read and experience its effects on Iowans,” said Bill Johnson, State Historical Society curator. “We can’t think of a better time to remind people of the importance of this War and the resulting formation of the G.A.R. than over Memorial Day.”
The State Historical Museum, located at 600 E. Locust, Des Moines, will be
open Memorial Day, Monday, May 30. Regular hours are Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to
4:30 p.m., Sunday, noon to 4:30 p.m.
