×

Traer Museum sponsors photo contest

The Traer Historical Museum is sponsoring a summer photo contest. The subject of the photo contest is the American flag. The flag is a powerful symbol of our country and the ideals of freedom and liberty associated with this land. The following is a quote written by BF Thomas from “Soldier Life- Many Must Fall” as a prisoner of war on his way home: “The sun was low in the west as the locomotive came into view in the northeast, half a mile away. On one bow floated a small white flag, on the other, our own flag; the beautiful Stars and Stripes. As they struck the sunlight all the beauty of the flag was brought to view. At the first sight the boys made no sound of joy. Men leaned forward and stretched out both hands as if to grasp its resplendent folds. For a time all was still as death and then a mighty shout of joy from every throat of these who wore the blue. Shout on shout and cheer on cheer till it made the very mountains quake. Men hugged each other, pounded each other, wrestled with each other; turned summersets and hand springs and in every conceivable way manifested their joy. You will remember the last American flag we had seen was the one the rebel soldiers were dragging in the mud at Shiloh two months before this. This was its spirit resurrected coming to give us freedom from the jaws of death. When the train rolled up to our ground and stopped the boys overpowered each other to touch the flag, to hug the fireman and engineer and every man aboard the train. But quiet was restored, the roll was called and as each man answered to his name he marched over to the Union side of the lines a free man.” As Flag Day and Independence Day quickly approach, people are encouraged to display the Stars and Stripes at their home, business, or special event. Think of what this symbol means to those who serve or have served our country and to those who have friends and relatives serving right now. The museum encourages people to take a photo of Old Glory being displayed during Flag Day or the Fourth of July, or a patriotic display they may see during the holidays or summer vacations. Contestants may submit a photo of a flag which they admire and which they think shows pride of our country to viewers. Submit the photo taken between June 1st and September 1st to the Traer Historical Museum. The photos will be displayed at the museum in a later window display and the winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to the Traer Historical Museum. Photos must be received by 5:00 p.m. on September 1st at the museum. Photos WILL NOT be returned unless arrangements are made beforehand. If you have questions or want more information, contact Sharon Stoakes c/o Traer Historical Museum, 514 2nd Street, Traer, Iowa 50675 or by email address traermuseum@hotmail.com or by phone 319-478-2574.