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These are items of interest to military reunions. If you have military reunion news, e-mail us.
Veterans
honored
The annual Celebrate Freedom!‘ Pigeon Forge Salutes
America’s Veterans event is usually in August
in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The fifteen-day salute to our nation’s
military heroes includes a military book fair, canteen dances,
and speakers (former Secretary of State Gen. Alexander Haig and
former Mercury Seven astronaut Wally Schirrahave spoken). Forum topics can includesuch titles as
"In Service on Land, Air and Sea," "Double Service:
WWII Veterans and Korea," "POWs Tell their Story,"
and "Journey to Freedom: War Stories from WWII, Korea, Vietnam
and Desert Storm." Activities include a kickoff special
commemorative event, Victory Celebration and picnic. Call 800-365-6993
or visit www.mypigeonforge.com.
Freedom
preserved and celebrated
The Freedom Museum at the Manassas (VA) Regional
Airport holds the Annual
Festival of Freedom usually in August. The festival welcomes heroes from 20th century conflicts.
Heroes include veterans of WWII, Korea, Vietnam and Operation
Desert Storm.
The
festival includes more than 25 vintage aircraft, many tanks and
armored vehicles, WWII re-enactors, contemporary military and
experimental civilian aircraft, period music, displays and patriotic
performances. It’s a weekend immersed in American history.
Many
previous festival favorites will return and new features will
debut. Among the new features will be a JU-52 Tri-Motor German
Transport. Other aircraft are P-51 Mustang, TBM Avenger, B-25
Mitchell bomber, UC-78 Bobcat, SNJ Trainer, Harvard Mark 2 Trainer.
The
Freedom Museum was founded in 1999 by a group of veterans to honor
contributions to world peace and freedom of the Armed Forces and
civilian leaders. Contact The Freedom Museum, 10400 Terminal Road,
Manassas VA 20110; 703-393-0660; www.freedommuseum.org.
Wall of
Shame
As difficult as it may be to believe, there are actually people
posing as former prisoners of war. They do this to make money
by delivering lectures on the POW experience or to get into VA
hospitals for treatment. These "wannabees," as they
are called, can be very slick, even producing fake papers. To
help expose these imposters, POW.Net has erected what they call
the "Wall of Shame." As names of wannabees are discovered,
they are posted on the Wall. The fakes can be found at www.pownetwork.org/phonies/phonies.htm.
from
the Ex-POW Bulletin
Iwo Jima’s
‘Valor’
Uncommon Valor: The Battle for Iwo Jima, a documentary, premiered
at the Iwo Jima Veterans and Family Association Reunion. Nine
heroes of the battle told their personal stories. The nine featured
men are recipients of three Medals of Honor, one Navy Cross, two
Silver Stars and 10 Purple Hearts. Their compelling interviews
are told with a backdrop of actual Iwo Jima film footage which
gives the viewer a visual understanding of what the men are talking
about. The story is in chronological order from the time they
hit the beaches until the battle was over "It’s very
awesome ... humbling is the word to meet the men who were American
heroes and literally changed history," producer/director
Shawnee Brittan said.
On the
home front
A new theatrical production, The Home Front brings the World War II era back to life through song and story
but teaches younger audiences about a powerful chapter in American
history.
The
brainchild of singer Judith Black and pianist Roz Epstein, the
story portrays the lives of the women who built M1 rifles during
the war. Using the songs of Irving Berlin, Rogers and Hart, Gershwin
and others, The Home Front follows Eta Bedowsky, who marries Thomas,
her high school sweetheart during the early years of the war.
Separated when Thomas is shipped to the Italian front, Eta goes
to work in a factory producing weapons. Each scene dramatizes
issues of American life during war-time.
Black
and Epstein are performing The Home Front the full story for large
organizations and a smaller version as short scenes with music.
To discuss a booking, contact Judith Black, 33 Prospect St, Marblehead
MA 01945; jbtales@shore.net.
Reunion
reading
Voices from Vietnam, Michael E. Stevens,
editor. (1996, 255 pages, paperback. Center for Documentary History,
State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 816 State St, Madison WI
53706; $12.95)
Each
generation has its own defining event, and the Vietnam War was
that for the children of those who fought in World War II. No
one alive during the Vietnam War can forget horrifying daily reports
of the first war fought in front of the media. This book offers
an intimate and personal view of what that war was like and displays
the humanity of those who were there. In their own words, from
their own perspective, 92 Wisconsin men and women share letters
and diaries. Pilots, infantrymen, medics, chaplains, nurses and
Red Cross workers contribute their voices and an unforgettable
look at one of the most turbulent wars in American history.
POW artifacts
sought
The National Prisoner of War Museum, located at Andersonville
National Historic Site, Andersonville, Georgia, is seeking artifact
donations. The museum is the only unit of the National Park Service
dedicated solely to the commemoration of POWs from all time periods
in US history. Items that have a direct relationship to the POW
experience are of special interest. This includes dog tags, forks
and knives, letters and telegrams and items POWs actually used
to survive their incarceration. Anyone with such POW related items
is encouraged to contact Eric Reinert, Museum Technician, Box
800, Andersonville GA 31711; www.nps.gov/ande/.
from
the Ex-POW Bulletin
Miss America
speaks at Iwo Jima Reunion
Heather Renee French, Miss America 2000, was a big hit at the Iwo
Jima Survivors Association of Texas (a national organization).
She was the speaker at the reunion's Air Force-Sea Force Luncheon.
French's platform for the year of her reign is honoring America's
homeless veterans. Daughter of a disabled Vietnam veteran, she
pledges to "urge all Americans to lend their support to these
often forgotten men and women." She was a hit with reunion
members. Her message, according to reunion chair, Cy Young, was
"strong, sincere and clear." He continued enthusiastically
that Heather French is such a special person that she "makes
all veterans proud to have her on our side."
Searching
and finding
The wall-usa.com is a new web page for listing
and searching for military reunions. Add and edit information
about your own reunion using a login and password you choose.
Information can be expanded and edited as reunion plans progress
and become firm. Submissions and modifications are immediate.
Instructions for linking are at thewall-usa.com/howto/.
There is no charge though donations are gratefully accepted. The
site is operated by a 100% disabled (wheelchair-bound) Vietnam
Veteran.
Arranging
burial in a VA national cemetery
Veterans Administration Benefits pay a burial
and plot allowance to eligible veterans. Gravesites in national
cemeteries cannot be reserved in advance, however, families are
encouraged to prepare ahead by discussing cemetery options. Collect
the veteran's military information and call the cemetery where
burial is desired prior to the time of need.
Your
funeral director should make arrangements with the national cemetery.
The VA will provide a gravesite, graveliner and headstone or marker,
Presidential Memorial Certificate, US flag, perpetual gravesite
care, and open and close the grave at no cost to the veteran's
family. Services provided by funeral directors and other related
costs, such as transportation, must be paid by the veteran's family.
To
establish eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery you
will need the veteran's full name, rank, branch of service, dates
of entry and discharge, serial, social security and VA claim numbers,
birth date and place and date of death. A copy of the veteran's
official discharge with the character of discharge is required.
If this document is not available, a copy may be obtained from
the National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Record's
Office, 9700 Page Blvd, St. Louis MO 63132-5100. Obtain this prior
to the time of need.
Prom in
Paris?
For most, high school is a blur of blunders,
wonders and new-found freedom, cruising the local strip or hanging
out at the pizzeria ogling jocks and cheerleaders. But suppose
that pizza joint was in Livorno, Italy?
More
than 1.8 million Americans attended American schools abroad since
1946. How to find classmates from a country worlds away –
who've moved several times since?
Overseas
Brats was founded in 1986 by US military and civilian personnel
dependents who attended schools abroad. They reunite missing schoolmates,
conduct seminars, publish a magazine and direct thousands to their
reunion committees. www.overseasbrats.com.
The honor
of your presence
After two centuries of service by military women
and ten years of preparation, the Women in Military Service for
America Memorial opened in1997 at Arlington
National Cemetery. Exhibits
from a wealth of memorabilia, letters and photos are inspired
by every era from the Civil War to Desert Storm to women serving
today.
There
are still many servicewomen still not included in the Memorial's
Register. To include a past or present servicewoman in the Register
or take part in the dedication, contact the Women's Memorial,
PO Box 96742, Washington DC 20077; 800-222-2294.
Vietnam
campout
If it's Memorial Day weekend, it's time for
the LZ Friendly campout at Danielsville, Georgia, to enhance pride
in Vietnam Veterans. The annual gathering is
a healing time for veterans and their families. A small fee covers
camping site, one meal per day and entertainment. Contact Jimmy
E. Grant, LZ Friendly, Inc, PO Box 6303, Athens GA 30604.
Lots of
advance notice
The National Pearl Harbor Survivors Association members
were stationed on Oahu island or within a three-mile radius on
December 7, 1941. The organization's purposes include educating
young people about what happened at Pearl Harbor, supporting related
memorials and the Sons and Daughters of Survivors Association.
Contact Sheree Allgood, 800-STAY-NKY; info@nkycvb.com.
Military History Institute-Army Heritage Museum
DONOR GUIDE TO HISTORICAL MATERIALS NEEDED
In order to tell the Army’s story, one soldier at a time, we need your personal papers and other related materials. In fact, most additions to our unique research collection have been acquired through unconditional donations from private individuals, especially by veterans themselves. Here are examples of what is needed for the Military History Institute and the Army Heritage Museum in order to tell the Army’s story.
Materials of Prime Interest to the Military History Institute
_ Memoirs or diaries of military service (published, typed, handwritten, or electronic)
_ Personal correspondence with family and friends during service
_ Camp, unit, and veteran association newspapers and periodicals
_ Unit histories (published or not) and organizational documents (reports, briefings, orders, etc.)
_ Books about the Army or military history, especially land warfare
_ Army manuals, brochures, and other official documents and publications
_ Military maps and charts (preferably annotated or directly related to personal experience)
_ Photographs taken during service (prints, negatives, or slides)
_ Motion pictures, videos, or audio recordings of service experiences
_ Other printed matter or images depicting personal military experience or Army history
Materials of prime interest to the Army Heritage Museum
_ Field uniforms, accessories and other personal equipment
_ Service-related weapons (firearms, knives, or swords) and their equipment
_ Souvenirs collected by soldiers, including materials of allies and enemies
_ Items related to Army education and training
_ Original artwork related to Army service, including sketches, cartoons, or carvings
_ Veteran recognition material (ribbons, camp medals, historic original art, etc.)
_ Selected unit insignia and shoulder patches
_ Other objects that tell the story of the soldiers and Army civilians
Materials generally not accepted
No commercial videos or motion pictures
No commercial magazines & newspapers (except for personal or unit related clippings)
No commercial prints or other reproductions of original art
No personal wall-hanging trophies, plaques, or parting gifts
No official personnel or medical files requiring complete privacy protection
No Nazi political flags (unless actually captured and documented)
No Class A or Dress Service Uniforms, WWII to present (unless part of a larger collection)
No live ammunition or ordnance
Questions? More information? Please contact the Acquisitions Branch at (717) 245-3094 or visit our website: http://www.carlisle.army.mil/ahec/index.htm
OTHER PLACES TO DONATE HISTORICAL MATERIALS
The following repositories may accept those materials you wish to donate but are not needed by the Military History Institute and the Army Heritage Museum. Please contact these repositories first before sending them any material.
NARA - The National Archives and Records Administration
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-6001
1-86-NARA-NARA (1-866-272-6272)
www.archives.gov
US Army Center of Military History
103 Third Avenue
Ft. McNair, DC 20319-5058
www.army.mil/cmh-pg/
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
300 North Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 787-3362
Email: RA-PHMC-Webmaster@state.pa.us
The Pennsylvania Military Museum
Post Office Box 160A
Boalsburg, PA 16827
(814) 466-6263
National D-Day Museum
945 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
US Air Force Museum
1100 Spaatz St.
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433
(937) 255-3286
www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/
Naval Historical Center
Washington Navy Yard
805 Kidder Breese Street SE
Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374-5060
www.history.navy.mil/
Marine Corps
Air-Ground Museum
Quantico, VA 22134-5001
(757) 784-5919
www.marineheritage.org/museum.htm
Used on this website with permission.
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