8:00– 10:30 A.M.
BREAKFAST IS ON US
Pancakes & fellowship
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast before the ceremony. Everyone is invited, and there is no charge.
A DES MOINES TRADITION · 10TH ANNUAL
Massing of
the Colors.
One community.
A shared spirit of service.
Join us for a morning of fellowship, music, and gratitude as we honor our veterans and celebrate the values that bring us together.
Saturday, November 7, 2026 / 11:00 a.m.
10thANNUAL
This year, join us at HSA Community Center.
SAVE THE DATESaturday, November 7Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. · 2026
MEET US HEREHSA Community Center4801 Franklin Avenue, Des Moines
EVERYONE IS WELCOMEFree to attend. Free breakfast.All ages welcome · Donations appreciated
WHY WE GATHER
Many flags.
One shared purpose.
There is something powerful about seeing our community stand together.
Presented by the Fort Des Moines Museum and Education Center, Massing of the Colors is both an educational event and a moving patriotic ceremony. It brings generations together to recognize the people who have served and the ideals our colors represent.
Held on the first Saturday in November, our gathering helps begin the community’s Veterans Day celebrations. Veterans, families, young people, and neighbors are all invited to be part of it.
Meet the MuseumA MEANINGFUL TRADITION
Ceremonies typically include
01
A parade of colors
02
Patriotic music
03
The pledge & anthem
04
Recognition of veterans
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7
A morning to
come together.
Start with a warm breakfast and good company. Stay for a ceremony that brings the meaning of service into focus.
All times are Central Time.
9:30A.M.
FOR PARTICIPANTS
Prepare to present the colors
Color guards and color bearers begin ceremony preparation. Join the breakfast beforehand, then get ready with your fellow participants.
11:00A.M.
THE MAIN CEREMONY
Massing of the Colors
Gather for a moving expression of patriotism, remembrance, and appreciation for those who serve.
Coming with a color guard?
AN INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE
Carry your colors.
Stand together.
All color guards and color bearers are invited to take part in this moving and inspiring ceremony.
Whether you represent a military unit, veterans organization, school, public safety agency, Scouting group, or civic organization, we welcome your interest in participating.
DES MOINES, IOWA
We’ll see
you here.
HSA Community Center
4801 Franklin Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa
Formerly Franklin Junior High Events Center
MAKE A MORNING OF IT
Your place
is with us.
Come with your family. Bring a friend. Join neighbors and veterans for a shared morning of gratitude.
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Breakfast 8:00–10:30 a.m.
Ceremony begins at 11:00 a.m.
A welcome for everyone
There is no charge for the breakfast or program. Donations are always appreciated.
Have a question before you come?
Contact us about your visit, your group, or any accommodations you may need.
Get in touchA FEW HELPFUL DETAILS
Before you join us.
Is there a charge to attend?
No. The ceremony and all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast are free. We want this event to be accessible to everyone. Donations are appreciated.
Who can take part in the ceremony?
All color guards and color bearers are invited to participate. Preparation begins at 9:30 a.m. Please email Matthew or call 515-400-3678 for more information about bringing your group.
Is the event at the Museum this year?
This year’s event is at HSA Community Center, 4801 Franklin Avenue, Des Moines, formerly Franklin Junior High Events Center. The photograph on this page shows a past ceremony at the Museum chapel.
Can I help spread the word?
Absolutely. Invite friends, family, and neighbors. , , or download the original event flyer.
LET’S COME TOGETHER
We’d love to hear from you.
Questions about attending or bringing your colors?
Get in touch with Matthew at the Museum.