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You are here: Home / Museum Exhibits / [FEATURED EXHIBIT] First US Flag to enter Germany after Armistice

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] First US Flag to enter Germany after Armistice

November 14, 2017 By James Mitchell Varnum

The Varnum Memorial Armory Museum now has on display the first US flag to cross into Germany after the signing of the Armistice concluding World War I.

First US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
First US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
First US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
First US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
First US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
First US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Historic image of the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Historic image of the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Knights of Columbus pose with the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Knights of Columbus pose with the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice

This July 1919 Providence Journal newspaper article details the great story behind the first US flag to cross into Germany (now on display at the Varnum Memorial Armory). Tim Morris of Providence, RI, was an American hero who served in World War I as a Knights of Columbus (K of C) secretary. Unarmed, he served as a volunteer right on the front lines often under heavy fire while providing much needed aid and comfort to the troops. He was issued this flag by the K of C and later brought it to the vanguard of General Jack Pershings’ 3rd Army as they were about to cross the border into Germany at Coblenz.

July 1919 news article about first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
July 1919 news article about first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
July 1919 news article about first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
July 1919 news article about first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice

Thank you to Thomas E. Gardiner and his family for putting it in our museum and thank you, Aaron Davis, for the generous donation to cover most of the conservation and mounting work.

The mounting of the flag to the drill hall wall was a feat all by itself. We also thank the contractor, Andy Santilli, for creating a secure mount for this historic treasure.

Mounting the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Mounting the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Mounting the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Mounting the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Mounting the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Mounting the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Mounting the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Mounting the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Mounting the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Mounting the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Mounting the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Mounting the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Mounting the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Mounting the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Mounting the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Mounting the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Mounting the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Mounting the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Mounting the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Mounting the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Mounting the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Mounting the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Mounting the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Mounting the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Mounting the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Mounting the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Mounting the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
Mounting the first US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice

Filed Under: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: museum exhibit, varnum memorial armory, world war I

[DEC. 12 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Greg Banner on The Halifax Disaster

December 3, 2022 By James Mitchell Varnum

In December 1917, a World War I ammunition ship blew up in Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia. This massive event was listed as the largest man-made explosion in human history prior to atomic weapons and totally devastated the city. Thousands died. Our December speaker, Varnum Member Greg Banner, will describe the background, event, response, and results and discuss aspects of military, nautical, local, and emergency response history.

About the Varnum Continentals

The Varnum Continentals are committed to the preservation of the historic heritage of our community, our state, and our nation. Please take a virtual tour of our museums to learn more about our mission to encourage patriotism. You can participate with us through active membership and/or philanthropic support in our non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Museum tours are welcomed and our facilities may be rented for suitable events.

Our Mission

The Varnum Continentals are committed to encourage patriotism through the Varnum Armory Museum, the Continental Militia, and the James Mitchell Varnum House and thus to preserve, support, and communicate the military history of our community, our state, and our nation.

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