The main memorial display is located on the first floor and honors all UI students and alumni who died during U.S. armed conflicts. Located between the UBO and UICCU, a glass case encloses American and Iowan flags, with plaques listing the names of students and alumni who died during World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
"Some left an office, cornfield, factory, but these men left the study of mankind, glory and gloom of mortal history, the wonder, madness, logic of the mind, the live cell, atoms cunningly combined. They closed their books, death closed their eyes, so we, the lucky Iowa living, still could find a future in our human liberty."
-Paul Engle
In the Main Lounge entrance on the east side of the IMU, plaques hang commemorating the university's service in training navy personnel for World War II. The walls are engraved with quotes outlining the building's purpose.
"And if this magnificent structure is to fulfill the dreams out of which it has arisen it can only do so by stirring the impulses of the young men and women of Iowa to lives...of service to mankind."
"...So this memorial union, this temple, this rendezvous of youth and hope and possibility, rises in memory of the university's sacred dead, dedicated to the ideal of service for which they made a supreme sacrifice."