2015 is shaping up to be another busy year at the Alabama Veterans’ Museum! Below is a “calendar of events” for the upcoming year.
January – The museum will sponsor “Together We Stand,” an idea started by local author Jerry Barksdale. This program will pay tribute to Limestone County law enforcement-rescue- firefighters- guards and all that rush to danger to protect us. “Let’s stand up against lawlessness and thuggery by honoring those who protect us.” Meetings will be held at the museum, more information to come.
February – Black History Month –“A Century of Black Life, History and Culture.” African-Americans have continuously served in the U.S. Military since colonial times. President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981 in July 1948, integrating the U.S. Military services. Look for special displays honoring our Black Veterans.
March – Women’s History Month – Women have been a part of the war effort since the Revolutionary War, but in the early days of our nation they had to cloak themselves in disguise to serve alongside men. As the weapons and methods of warfare changed in the late 20th century, however, the Pentagon began to realize that gender matters less on the battlefield. Join us as we observe National Women’s History Month and salute the many contributions of American Women to our country. This year we will be honoring our Desert Storm/Gulf War female veterans. If you know of any military female that was serving our county during this time (on or after August, 1990), please contact the museum so that we may honor them. The program is to be held on March 28th.
April – On the 17th, Star Spangled Golf Tournament. Mike Criscillis, one of our valued volunteers will be handling the details of our first golf tournament which will be held at Canebrake Golf Club. On the 24th, we will be having a Fish Fry headed up by board member Bob McAbee. Our fish fry will be held at the Emmanuel Baptist Church on Hwy 72. Tickets will go on sale in March.
May – On the 25th, we will have our Memorial Day Program. Local service organizations will once again come together to perform the “Laying of the Wreath Ceremony.” The program will be held at the Limestone County Event Center beginning at 11:00.
June – Annual Sam Gibbons Walking Horse Show. We are ecstatic that once again Ken Wilson will be managing our annual walking horse show. Date to be determined, look for more information to come.
July – To celebrate the birth of our nation we are happy to have once again with us a special United States Flag Display, which belongs to local historian Ron Pettus. The display will be here from 29 June – July 4th.
November – On Nov 11, Veterans Day, we will have a very special ceremony to unveil our “Threads of Honor” quilt. Threads are still available.
On the wall in our break room is a little sign that I read daily that says “Volunteers are not paid — not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.” No truer words have ever been spoken. We could not do what we do without them, and we are always looking for a few more good ones. Contact Steve at 256-771-7578 if you are interested in volunteering regularly, or for any of these special events. We also welcome sponsorship of these events. Don’t forget we also have our “Coffee Call” the first Saturday of every month.
These are just a few of the events going on. Please join us, and let’s make 2015 another great year!
By: Sandra Thompson, Director, Alabama Veterans’ Museum
