Iowans Go To War

A re-enactment of Iowans joining the Union Army during the Civil War in 1861.

Transcript

All you men raise your right hands and repeat after me. I do solemnly swear...,

I do solemnly swear...

…that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the United States of America…

Dearest Mother, I have arrived in Keokuk to offer my service in the terrible war which is taking place. Governor Kirkwood has requested that all able-bodied Iowans are needed to aid Mr. Lincoln in his quest to keep the Union together. We have resolved that we know but two parties; patriots, who support the Union and The Star Spangled Banner, and traitors, who are our enemies and foes. We call ourselves the Union Guards and report to the Governor of our state as ready for duty. A number of us have raised a company and tomorrow will we elect officers to lead us against the traitorous South.

Let’s hear it for the Union…

Hip, hip, hooray; hip, hip, hooray; hip, hip, hooray!