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Welcome to the Veterans Memorial Museum
Honoring the men and women veterans
of the Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines by
treasuring the artifacts they brought back to remember their service to our
country
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--------------------------------------------------------------------- Where history comes alive The Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum was established in early 2000 for the purpose of honoring all the veterans, past and present, with an emphasis on the more than 28,000 veterans of our community. Housed in the basement of the Veteran’s Memorial Hall at the corner of Grand Avenue and Monterey Street in San Luis Obispo, it isn’t exactly easy to find. But, behind the brick building you’ll find plenty of parking and the entrance to the museum. World War II-era jitterbug radio tunes float over the speakers as you explore the aisles of military artifacts and memorabilia organized chronologically by war or conflict. The variety of displays is remarkable: uniformed mannequins, personal photographs and letters, military equipment and weaponry, flags, maps and medals, and samples of K-rations and supplies. The docents, often veterans themselves, are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. Docent Don Mueller, age 70, says, “There are significant parts of war history and confrontations that students today simply don’t learn about--many people don’t even know about the Korean Conflict.” Serving those who’ve served our country A museum like this doesn’t run itself, though. The county provides the money to maintain the facility and rents other sections of the building to provide funds. The museum is staffed entirely by volunteers and everything in the museum has been donated. However, expenses for realistic mannequins, lighted display cases, research, and administration, add up. Hoover, extremely resourceful, always finds a way to make things happen. He even recruited a man from Walnut Creek to interpret the Japanese wording on donated flags. Here are some ways you can help:
1) Volunteer The museum needs docents, veteran’s project interviewers, and other help. 2) Donate military memorabilia 3) Make a monetary contribution 4) Buy a commemorative plaque for the Wall of Honor. These 4” X 9” cast bronze plaques can be purchased for $300 each to commemorate the service of a loved one to our country. Visiting
the museum, listening to a veteran’s story, or volunteering are small things we
can do to acknowledge the freedoms we enjoy and to honor the sacrifices others
have made on our behalf.
These images courtesy of Doc's Patriotic
Graphics
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-------------------------------------------------------------------- Capturing the Memories of America’s Veterans Eighty-three year old Wilbern “Bud” Oliver shifted in his chair and gazed through us as he recounted memories of his World War II service in Okinawa at age 17. He spoke of common annoyances such as trying to break blocks of freeze-dried K-ration cheese and not being able to shave. “I don’t think we ever changed our clothes—we just went into the ocean.” He then shared details about one of their worst days. While sheltered behind a collapsed silo, they watched a typhoon snap a concrete ship in two and wash ashore an entire destroyer. Finally, he told about his discharge: the enormous lines of servicemen crowding the San Pedro food lines; surprising his parents upon his return and going to a party that evening where he met Shirley, the girl he married and with whom he eventually raised five children. It was one of those times you wished you had on DVD. Better yet, it was on DVD. One copy went home with Bud and the other was forwarded to the Library of Congress. Joanne Cargill, a volunteer for the Veterans History Project, has been conducting these interviews since 2003, and Bud was her 87th interviewee. “They feel a little better after they’ve talked about it. Not only did we get their story and get it to the National Archives, but it helps them. It’s cathartic,” says Cargill. Every veteran has a story. But many of them have never fully shared it with anyone—not even their family. The Veterans History
Project—preserving memories Started by the United States Congress in 2000, the Veterans History Project collects and preserves first-hand accounts and stories of wartime service, from veterans nationwide. War industry workers, United Service Organizations (USO) workers, flight instructors, medical volunteers and others actively involved with war efforts are also invited to share their stories. To read some of these stories, visit www.loc.gov/vets/.
Although all veteran histories are welcomed, priority is given to WWII veterans and those involved with the WWII war effort. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that U.S. veterans of World War II are dying at a rate of more than 1,000 per day. This project ensures that valuable pieces of our nation’s history and family histories aren’t lost. If you know a family member, neighbor or friend who is a veteran, urge them to call the museum now to participate in the Veterans History Project. Because many veterans are living alone or are somewhat isolated due to disabilities, your encouragement could be just the incentive it takes for them to share their story. A visit to the museum might also enhance their emotional well being and provide them with a social network. If you would like to arrange for an interview with Joanne, please call her at 805-937-2465. We need your story. There are currently a number of video interviews available
for viewing at the museum by prior arrangement, please call 805-543-1763 for
information. --------------------------------------------------------------------- The Veterans Museum Committee would like to
thank
Comments on this web site can be directed to
the webmaster....and your comments are
welcomed
Your webmaster is Dave Frayer
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