by Eavin Moore, CLAMS
It really doesn’t matter whether you are a hawk or a dove; war has touched your life in some way. Maybe it’s through your own military background, or that of a loved one. Depending on your age, you may have lived through World Wars, Police Actions, and various other conflicts.
Let’s face it some wars are more popular than others. Soldiers returning from WWII were treated like heroes by a grateful nation. The GI bill helped them buy houses and go to school.
Viet Nam was another story entirely. A whole generation of young people was divided, as anti-war sentiments caused those returning from Asian jungles to be treated much differently than their fathers and grandfathers before them.
Today our country is once again engaged in what some consider an un-popular war. The tragedy of 9-11 initially fostered overwhelming patriotism as we went after those who would threaten our way of life. As the battle goes on, and the body count rises, anti-war sentiments are growing again. At least this time, the anger is seemingly reserved for those in power. Thankfully, “Support the Troops” is still a popular message, even for those wanting an immediate pullout.
I didn’t intend for this to be a political piece. The arguments for or against war are for greater minds than mine. The point to the prolonged lead-in to this article is that your politics don’t matter at the National Military Heritage Museum.
Beginning in 1989 as a non-profit corporation, the museum’s stated purpose is preserving the military heritage of the United States of America. They feature exhibits from all branches of the military; Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Air Force, as well as those who served on the home front. Artifacts range from Civil War pieces to those from present time.
Located mainly in a large three story brick building at 7th and Messanie, the museum occupies what was originally the city’s first police station. It was designed by internationally recognized architect, Harvey Ellis in 1890, and is still in remarkably good shape for its age, and still has the original slate roof.
The main building served other purposes through the years, including a Marine Corps training center after WWII. The organization is currently in the process of listing it with the National Registry of Historic Places.
Inside, their collection consists of thousands of items, archives, and artifacts, many on display, but even more in storage in one of the four other buildings owned nearby.
The World War One section includes a walk-in trench to give visitors a feel for what it was like for those soldiers. Area modelers have created a 1/1200 scale aerodrome, a tank assault on the German trenches, and the Battle of Jutland.
Some of the World War II displays include dioramas of the Japanese Task Force on its way to attack Pearl Harbor, and the landing at Iwo Jima. There are battleship comparisons of USS California, USS Missouri, USS Enterprise, and many others.
Numerous uniforms from all branches of service and from every period are on display, along with tools, gear, and equipment.
A fenced outdoor compound contains “six-by” trucks, a “water buffalo”, (large capacity water carrier on wheels), and a Huey helicopter. The adjacent aviation building and garage houses jeeps, weapon carriers, a military ambulance, and a Cobra helicopter.
Soon to open across the street, the library will hold over 10,000 books, pamphlets, maps, records, pictures, and audio visual collections. This is also where the museum will house their Oral History program. The Library of Congress and its American Folklife Center have a “Veteran’s History Project”, preserving stories and creating a lasting legacy of wartime experiences. The museum participates in that program and is a repository for the project.
For those who may not get a chance to visit the original in Washington D.C., there is a 1/9 scale replica of the Vietnam War Memorial that is sobering to say the least.
The museum is operated by Lt. Colonel Frank Flesher USA (retired). Ranger and Airborne qualified, he gave 28 years of service to the U.S. Army, and has served the National Military Heritage Museum and Society for another 17. Stop in and see him and this incredible display, dedicated to the remembrance of the sacrifice made by the men and women of our armed forces. I’m sure he’ll tell you, “Come Look At My Stuff!’
Correction: Frank says it’s Your stuff. He’s not taking it with him when he goes!
The National Military Heritage Museum is open M-F from 9am -5pm and Sat from 9am to noon. Admission is $2 for adults and 50 cents for children.
Filed under: Come look at my stuff! |