You are cordially invited to participate in the Massing of the Colors, a patriotic ceremony of support and remembrance presented by the Fort Des Moines Museum and Education Center and supported by a wide variety of organizations.

Massing of the Colors is an impressive educational event and a moving patriotic ceremony that takes place annually in Des Moines on the first Saturday of November, in part to precede and encourage community celebration of Veterans Day, occurring later in the month. The ceremony typically includes many color guards, renditions of patriotic music, recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, singing of the National Anthem, recognition of veterans, and more.

We are asking your color guard (or for you to assemble a color guard) to participate in this moving and inspiring ceremony. Color guards should report in at 9:00 a.m. (but no later than 10:00 a.m.) to meet fellow participants and prepare for the ceremony. They are also invited to join other participants and attendees at the Pancake Breakfast at 8:00 a.m.

Please share with us the contact information of the individual who would be responsible for your color guard’s participation and we will follow up with them. Please email us at [email protected] or leave a message at 515-400-3678.