True Friends of Michigan History

Written By Brian Page

Save the Flags was honored to host some true friends of Michigan history for a visit to the battle flags archival storage unit on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 -- Al Martin, Michael Brady, Chris Horak and Matt Groen. All of these gentlemen have a passion for history and several of them are descendants of Michigan men who fought in the Civil War and World War I.

Below, Al Martin, Mike Brady, Chris Horak and Matt Groen stand behind the guidon of Battery D of the 328th Field Artillery. The 328th saw service in France in 1918-1919 as a part of the 85th Division/The Custer Division and Michael Brady’s ancestor Charles Barkowski of Detroit saw service with Battery A of the regiment.  Al Martin is a descendant of a soldier who likewise saw service during the Civil War with the 23rd Michigan Infantry.

We’d like to thank these gentlemen for their support and interest in Save the Flags!

Four men stand behind a small triangular shaped, red flag laying on a table. The flag reads 328 D and has crossed cannons. To the left and right are tall cases covered in canvas.
Brian Page
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