Civil War flags returned to public display in Capitol

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Civil War era flags representing the 90,000 Michiganders who fought in the war were returned to public display Saturday at the state Capitol building.

The flags are replicas of original flags currently housed in the Michigan History Museum.

The replica flags had been on display since the late 80s, but were temporarily removed while the Capitol building and rotunda were restored.

The flags were returned after a brief ceremony Saturday morning, followed by a procession near the Capitol building. The procession included descendants of Michiganders who fought in the war.

A news release from Save the Flags , shared this about Dave Downing:

Dave Downing of Mason is a descendant of Corporal Walter Mundell, who served with the 5 ^th Michigan Infantry and received the Medal of Honor for courageous action at Sailor’s Creek near Farmville, Virginia, where he captured a Confederate flag. This medal, along with other items Mundell carried through the last part of the war, has been passed down through the family to Downing. He had the opportunity to view the actual flag, which is preserved at the American Civil War Museum in Richmond.  Downing honors Mundell’s legacy through his participation in Civil War reenactments.

“I’ve been involved in Civil War reenactment since the early 1980’s and have participated  in numerous ceremonies, events, and the production of various documentaries and movies. I was also an ‘extra’ in the movie Gettysburg ”, Downing said.

Downing has been involved with the ‘Save the Flags’ project since 1989 when it was decided to remove the flags from the rotunda of the Capitol during building restoration.

News Release, Save the Flags, Aug. 17, 2024

Michigan’s only Black unit was also honored and represented, the news release reported. That was 102nd United States Colored Troops Students Company C.

“ This battle flag procession is a unique experience to gain a deep understanding of our nation’s history. Today, many haven’t witnessed a historical event of this scale. We need to take the time to come together and gain a deep understanding of a time when our nation was literally divided. Of the 90,000 soldiers who served in the Civil War, 15,000 didn’t come back. We need to remember that sacrifice, so it doesn’t ever happen again.”

Maurice Imhoff of Jackson, 22, Civil War reenactor, Save the Flags news release Aug. 17, 2024

The replica flags are now on display in the recently restored Capitol Rotunda during normal business hours.

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