Griswold Old Soldiers Reunion: Honoring Service for 145 Years
A Southwest Iowa Tradition Continues July 9–11, 2027
In 2027, the Griswold Old Soldiers Reunion will celebrate a remarkable milestone: its 145th annual celebration.
Few community celebrations can match the history and patriotic spirit of the Griswold Old Soldiers Reunion. Established in the 1880s in the years following the Civil War, the gathering began as a way to welcome home and honor those who had served. Nearly a century and a half later, that same purpose remains at the heart of this southwest Iowa tradition.
What began as a reunion of soldiers has grown into a community-wide celebration honoring all generations of America's veterans and servicemembers, while bringing families, friends and former residents together for a summer weekend in Griswold.
A Weekend Built Around Patriotism and Community
Traditionally held the second weekend of July, the Old Soldiers Reunion fills Griswold with activities for all ages while keeping military service and remembrance at the center of the celebration.
Military displays have provided visitors an opportunity to see equipment representing both today's armed forces and earlier generations of service. The celebration also brings a true hometown atmosphere, with food, refreshments, entertainment and community gatherings in downtown Griswold.
The weekend combines military history with the traditions of a small-Iowa-town reunion. The annual Neon Run includes activities for young runners as well as longer run/walk events and team competition. The Show & Shine brings cars, trucks, motorcycles, tractors and just about anything else on wheels to town.
And as evening settles over Griswold, the celebration builds toward another community favorite: fireworks at dusk.
America 250 Comes to Griswold
The 144th Old Soldiers Reunion in 2026 carried special significance as Griswold joined communities across the country in commemorating America's 250th anniversary.
The America 250 theme was carried throughout the weekend, including the grand parade, annual ruck march and other reunion activities. An opening ceremony helped launch the celebration, and Charles W. Smith American Legion Post 508 welcomed the public into its post home for an open house.
One of the most memorable additions was a Sikorsky YL-37 helicopter, brought to Griswold for a static display and flyover. It provided a dramatic connection between America's military heritage and the generations of veterans the Old Soldiers Reunion was created to honor.
Carrying the Tradition Forward
The Griswold Old Soldiers Reunion continues through the work of Post 508 and the support of volunteers, businesses, organizations and community members who contribute their time and resources.
That community commitment has allowed a gathering that began in the 1880s to continue generation after generation.
The reunion is more than a festival. It is a homecoming, a history lesson and, most importantly, an opportunity to remember why the tradition began in the first place: to honor those who served.
Now Griswold is preparing to write the next chapter.
The 145th Griswold Old Soldiers Reunion will be held July 9–11, 2027.
Veterans, families, former residents, history enthusiasts, and visitors from near and far are invited to come to Griswold, Iowa, and help celebrate 145 years of service, remembrance, patriotism and community.
145 Years. One Community. A Tradition of Honoring Those Who Served.
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