100 SW Veterans Way
Chehalis, Washington 98532
Phone: (360)740-8875
Email: info@veteransmuseum.org

Visit | Museum & Exhibits | News & Events | POW/MIA | Tile Program | Get Involved | Links

 

VIETNAM VETERANS AND POW/MIA
REMEMBRANCE DAY

On Saturday, July 26, 2008, the Museum will host our 11th annual Vietnam Veterans / POW/MIA Remembrance Day. These remembrance days have always been very special and those attending have experienced a tremendous amount of healing.

Each year our guest speaker brings a different perspective of the Vietnam War. We are very honored this year to present Lt. Colonel Edward W. Leonard, a 1960 United States Air Force Academy graduate and a man who well knows that “Freedom is not Free!”

 

During the height of the Vietnam War ( then Captain Leonard), flew 257 combat sorties in the A-1H Skyraiders and participated in the recovery of 18 aircrew members from behind enemy lines.  Leonard, a native of Winlock, WA, will share the story of his capture, torture and imprisonment in North Vietnam.

A-1H Skyraider

On May 31, 1968, the second time Capt. Leonard was shot down, he was captured in Laos after three days of evasion. He spent five years as a POW of which three and one half years were in solitary confinement. Capt. Leonard, served as senior officer in the compound. To alleviate boredom, he spent hours exercising, praying, and working mental projects, reciting during his “patriotic hour” everything from the Boy Scout oath to his commissioning at the Air Force Academy.

He was released March 28, 1973, and the community of Winlock recreated Christmas for him May 4, 1973. A few of Col. Leonard’s combat decorations include four Silver Stars, the Legion of Merit, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star with “V’ Device, twenty-one Air Medals, two Purple Hearts and the Prisoner of War Medal.

Col. Leonard continued to serve his country until physical disabilities from his POW incarceration required his retirement. He has had operations to replace his knees three times, one for a shoulder and a hip replacement. For Col. Leonard and so many others, their sacrifice for our country is never ending.

In years past, many American Ex-POW’s have attended this event. Here is an opportunity for the general public to come and thank those who were asked to give above and beyond the call of duty. Just to walk amongst this special group of veterans is an honor.

The event, which begins at 1 p.m., also will feature military equipment, including a combat ready Vietnam era Jeep, Marine Corps Mule, M-37 weapons carrier, 1966 Deuce-and-a-Half, and a Huey helicopter, also known as a Bell UH-1 series Iroquois, which was used for medical evacuations, troop transport, gun ships, air assaults and command and control.

UH-1 Huey

The program will also contain a presentation of colors, invocation and benediction, special music by Vietnam veteran Johnny Dunnagan, recognition of all Vietnam era veterans and Ex-Prisoners of War and family members of the Missing-in-Action in attendance, a photo session and refreshments.

We invite the veterans to wear their uniforms or parts thereof and to be proud of their service to America!

The event will be held at the Museum in the parking lot. The public is welcome to attend the event so please come and support our Vietnam veterans, Ex-POW’s and family members. It is a day that you will long remember!

Date:   Saturday, July 26, 2008

Time:   1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Welcome Home!

For more information, contact Veterans Memorial Museum at 360-740-8875.

 

 

Reopening this Saturday!

Come visit us as we reopen on April 26th...

Come hang out in the VMM USO...

 

Check out the many gift ideas

See the new tile floor, updated cabinetry and displays

 

THANK YOU,
to all to the volunteers and donors that have made this possible!!!

 

We'll be open to make sure that...

 

 

 

VMM is closed due to flooding

Flooding near VMM in Chehalis

The Veterans Memorial Museum will be closed for 2 - 3 months for cleanup and repairs from the flooding that has greatly impacted Lewis County and other areas in the Pacific Northwest.

Flood debris at entrance to VMM

Lee Grimes, Director at VMM said "The Museum will be back and will better better than ever when we reopen". I wish to thank all the volunteers who have helped pull the carpeting, clean the inside, worked on artifacts, brought food, gave hugs and so much more. We have received phone calls from Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana, Oregon, Alaska and cities throughout Washington who have expressed their concern about the Museum. I really did not realize how important this Memorial is to so many people.

Carpet removal in main gallery

We have a long way to go yet with new carpeting, tile, some cabinet reconstruction, artifact restoration, etc. The Museum has sustained a great financial loss that will press our reserves but we will survive. Any financial help that can be offered would be greatly appreciated. If you wish to send a monetary recovery donation, please sent it to: Veterans Memorial Museum, 100 SW Veterans Way, Chehalis, WA 98532. God bless all of you who have helped so much!

 

Display case flooded with water

We ask that you join the many that have reached out to help our fellow neighbors who have been displaced or suffered loss during this disaster. There are many organizations like the Salvation Army, United Way, Red Cross and local Churches that are providing help to our community and we suggest that you contact them to see how you to may help.

 

Please help those in need and make sure that

 

 

In Remembrance

Patti Estep, VMM President

Patricia Lou Estep was born to Elvis Nichols and Virginia Richards on May 28, 1935 at Fort Lewis, WA. She attended school in Olympia and also in Atascadero, CA. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Loren Estep; son, Alan Estep; many grandchildren and a large extended family. Patti was an inspiration to all those who knew her. Her faith was unshakable, and she fought cancer with courage and strength until the end. Many people say of Patti, "She was the strongest person I've ever known." She was an astute business woman and at one time owned six collection agency offices. Patti was a global traveler and loved her family and friends deeply. She was or had been affiliated wit the Rose Society, Eastern Star, VFW, the American Legion and Bethel Assembly of God. Patti's generosity was legendary benefiting many out of love and concern, both in business and academically. For the past decade, Patti's life blood has been to bring to fruition the dream of the new Veteran's Memorial Museum. This dream became a reality in July 2005 where she spoke at the dedication ceremony. She was the President of the Board until her death on November 14, 2007. The above information is from her obituary in the Daily Chronicle and we are thankful for their support of Veterans Memorial Museum, our members, and our Nation's veterans.

Thank you to Patti and her always ensuring that everyone she met knew that

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright 2005 Veterans Memorial Museum, All Rights Reserved