The 100th anniversary of the Iowa flag was celebrated Monday in Des Moines and Knoxville. A proclamation took place at the state capitol, followed by programs at the Knoxville Public Library. Mayor Brian Hatch read a proclamation declaring the week as Iowa Flag Week, and a musical performance was given by Knoxville High School sophomore Mason Hatch. Marla Suter is a Knoxville native and is the state regent for the Daughters of the American Revolution. She explains the importance of celebrating the occasion.

“History is so important for all of us, and the longer we keep it alive, the more we can learn from it, and the more we can move forward. It’s very important with any milestone, especially a 100th anniversary that we bring it to the forefront and keep it in people’s minds. Every time we do something, we learn something. This morning, Lieutenant Governor Gregg said he didn’t know that the blue, white and red on the Iowa state flag was the tri-color of France. France flew the first flag over this land when they owned it. These are all historical facts. As long as we keep talking about them, we keep them alive.”

Suter later helped facilitate a question and answer session at the library. The flag was designed by Knoxville native Dixie Gebhardt, and was officially recognized as the state flag in 1921. Hear more about the day’s festivities on today’s Let’s Talk Knoxville.