In May 1865, the U.S. government held a Grand Review parade to celebrate the victory over the Confederacy and honor Union armies. The events, occurring more than a month after the Civil War ended and Lincoln's assassination, aimed to restore a sense of triumph. Each day featured different military divisions, with May 23 honoring the Army of the Potomac, led by Ulysses S. Grant. Soldiers adorned in new uniforms paraded proudly, notably General Chamberlain, who recalled the eagerness of his men to impress onlookers. General Custer's flamboyant appearance also stood out during the festivities.
General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, reflecting on his troops' eagerness to present their best appearance for the parade, noted, "We were well aware of quite an anxiety among officers and men of the army to generally look their very best...our hardiest veterans...were not insensible to the new orders of spectators before whom they were now to pass their ordeal."
An observer described General Custer's flamboyant presence at the parade, mentioning, "Conspicuous among the division commanders was Custer. His long golden locks floating in the wind, his low-cut collar, his crimson necktie, and his buckskin breeches, presented a combination which made him look..."
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