The centerpiece of the exhibit is a 9-foot-by-5- foot flag from the 1864 Battle of Cold Harbor in Virginia. The flag is riddled with dozens of bullet holes, and Matis can't help but imagine what it must have been like being the color bearer. "It was suicidal," he said. "So many guys died for this.

34 star US flag Cold Harbor,VA.jpg

Read more: Exhibit organizers look to bring Civil War to life - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com