WEST BRANCH, Iowa — A First Army color guard rendered honors to a past president as part of a patriotic celebration.
The ceremonial unit participated in a flag raising ceremony during a rededication and grand reopening for the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum on August 6. The color guard participated in the flag raising with descendants of President Hoover. Hoover served as president from 1929 to 1933.
Jackie Lynch, director of events and digital outreach, for the Hoover Presidential Foundation, applauded the color guard efforts.
“The First Army Color Guard brought tremendous dignity and precision to one of the most meaningful moments of our grand reopening ceremony,” she said. “Their support of the Hoover family’s historic flag raising and the retirement of the colors helped create a powerful tribute to service, patriotism, and President Hoover’s legacy. We are deeply grateful for their professionalism and for helping make this milestone so memorable.”
Color guard member, Chaplain (Capt.) Joshua Merritt, who also serves a First Army plans and operations chaplain, expressed his thankfulness for serving.
“It was a great honor to represent both First Army and our great nation at this momentous event,” he said. “Not only did we give honors to our colors and all who have sacrificed for it, we also were able to instill a small sense of patriotism to the Hoover descendants as well as all who witnessed and partook. As an Army chaplain, there are very few higher honors than getting to publicly represent both God and country.”
Sgt. 1st Class Caleb McKinnon, a First Army operations non-commissioned officer and NCOIC of the First Army color guard, reflected on the day’s events.
“Representing the First Army and our nation at this historic event was a profound privilege. Performing this ceremony alongside Chaplain Merritt allowed us to pay tribute to our colors and all who have sacrificed for them, while sharing that heritage directly with the Hoover family,” he said. “As the NCOIC, there is no higher honor than executing this duty with the utmost pride, representing both our command and the country we serve.”