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Our nation exists thanks to the brave service of our military. Holidays like Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, and Armed Forces Day exist to pay tribute to American soldiers, while nation-wide museums and monuments honor their bravery and service.

veterans memorial museum
The Veterans Memorial Museum is more than a place to view memorabilia. Guests are encouraged to visit their USO and share a cup of coffee with local vets. Photo courtesy: Veterans Memorial Museum.

From 1775 to 1991 there were nearly 42 million soldiers fighting for our country in wartime. But the battles which followed are occasionally downplayed due to their distance from home and lack of decisive closure. Let us not forget to honor the millions of soldiers who served in desert climates across the Middle East over the past 25 years.

Gala True, who works with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project, reports that “In our society, we’ve seen this real shift. Now, less than 1 percent of our population has served. The experience of going to war and coming home—we don’t have as much awareness. So few have served, and it’s very easy for people say now that ‘I didn’t want these wars,’ but that doesn’t mean that we aren’t all part of this.”

The Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis exists with the mission “to honor, and perpetuate the memory of the service men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces down through the history of our country during peacetime or war.”

veterans memorial museum
Craig Robinson, shown here in his active-duty days, was present at the bombing in Beirut in 1983. He is one of two guest speakers at Desert War Veterans Day. Photo courtesy: Craig Robinson.

They host events, lectures, and services across the county while also displaying mementos and artifacts, a gift shop for memorabilia, and an on-site USO where visitors can share a cup of coffee with local veterans.

On Saturday, June 18, at 2:00 p.m. the Museum will be celebrating Desert War Veterans Day. Director Chip Duncan explains that the goal is to provide “a day to honor all our veterans who have served in the many conflicts since the Vietnam War.”

“This year’s guest speakers are Scott Crossfield who served with the Army in Kuwait and Iraq during the First Gulf War and Craig Robinson who served with the US Navy. He was present at the Beruit Bombing attack,” explains Duncan. “This is going to be a very unique event and is open for all veterans and their families; come support our troops who have so valiantly served.”

This is the sixth annual Desert War Veterans Day event hosted by the Museum and staff remembers that “Perhaps the most exciting part of the program was when we took the time to individually thank all the veterans who attended. We cannot forget our veterans who have been serving to protect this nation. We owe them a debt of gratitude that cannot be fully paid.”

veterans memorial museum
Scott Crossfield, the other guest speaker on June 18, served in Kuwait and Iraq during the first Gulf War. Photo courtesy: Scott Crossfield.

The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. all year. From June through Labor Day weekend in September, they are also open on Sundays from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for veterans and seniors, and $4 for children 6-18. Active duty service members are free as are children 5 and under. The Museum encourages groups of visitors to arrange a tour in advance by calling 360-740-8875.

The Veterans Memorial Museum is located on the aptly named Veterans Way in Chehalis. Their new website is currently under construction but you can find event listings on Facebook as well as informative articles, guest speakers, and many 5-star reviews of the facility.

John F. Kennedy once said that “the cost of freedom is high, but Americans have always paid it.” Let us not forget those who continue to pay that price on our behalf still today.

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