STATEHOUSE — Legislation sponsored by State Representative Dick Hamm (R-Richmond) regarding battle flag preservation was signed into law today by Gov. Pence. “This law is an opportunity to preserve Indiana’s history for future generations to study and enjoy,” said Rep. Hamm. Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 323 renames the Civil War Flags Fund as the Indiana Battle Flags Fund. It also specifies that the fund may be used to restore and preserve all Indiana battle flags rather than only Civil War flags. “The Indiana War Memorials Commission has 400 military flags that need attention and restoration in one form or another,” said Rep. Hamm. “Renaming the fund allows all flags in the commission’s possession to receive the attention they need.” For the first time in nearly 25 years, the Indiana Battle Flags Fund was given an appropriation in the state’s biennial budget. “It is worth noting that Gov. Oliver Morton received these battle flags at the conclusion of the Civil War and tasked the General Assembly with restoring them and preserving them for the future,” said Rep. Hamm. “I am pleased that we are able to follow through on the request and preserve these precious momentous for future generations.” SEA 323 will go into effect on July 1, 2013. -30-
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