Vietnam Veterans Museum, Education & Reunion Center, Inc.
(Ohio Non-profit organization)
Marion, Ohio

There comes a time when the time spent in Vietnam and the experience afterward had been the most influential period in a Viet Nam Veteran life. That realization and the understanding that most Vietnam Veterans had simply wanted to forget it and get on with things. An experience simply cannot be forgotten.  

However, there was always something missing. The respect and admiration offered for Veterans of wars previous to the Vietnam War. Somehow, due to the political pressure of the time, most people just wanted to forget it and those who served. Some people even went out of their way to make the Vietnam Veteran some sort of second-class citizen and went even further and blamed the Veterans for the war and all the terrible things that happen during such a conflict.

A group of Marion men have offering their time and effort to teach high school aged children of their Vietnam experiences. (Including displays and memorabilia) It was inspiring. Many of the students had fathers, grandfathers or uncles that had served in Vietnam. After participating in our educational programs, many of the students told us they now had a better understanding of what their loved ones had experienced and it answered a lot of questions about these people.

The schools grew larger as did the displays and collections of memorabilia. Today, after eighteen plus years of these schools, Marion County, Ohio has proclaimed the last week of April, “Vietnam Awareness Week” in recognition of the impact our schools have had on the local youth.

In October of 2004, the Vietnam Traveling Tribute (moving Wall) came to Marion. Displays and collections of memorabilia were presented for this weekend long event. This was the first time in all those years that we were able to set up for a large group of people of all ages. The reaction was incredible. The atmosphere was almost a religious experience. The people, both Veterans and others, were actually thankful that such a dedication to the remembrance of the Vietnam Veteran existed. We were taken aback by these reactions, as we had not thought that most people would even care.

Many wounds have not yet healed. Vietnam was not yet in the past for many people, both Veterans and loved ones of our brothers and sisters served and those that did not come home.

This concept made us think about how to get to more people. To think about a place made by Veterans, for Veterans. To wonder how to expand what we now have into something that not only local people would know about and visit, but a place where the memory could be shared with others of the same experience. A place to continue the education of current and future generations about the War and make certain that, even though Vietnam is ancient history to most of the kids, it is made clear that NO American Veteran is ever treated the way society treated the Vietnam Veteran.

The concept of the Vietnam Veterans Museum, Education and Reunion Center, Inc. will encompass what experience has shown us what we believe is important to Vietnam Veterans, as well as all Veterans. Honoring the memory of our fallen brothers and sisters will be primary. All displays regarding remembrance will be done with the utmost attention to detail and respect.

Our Education Center will have the most current technology possible. Whereby, even the people who would be critical of antiquated technology, will not be distracted by that, and be able to concentrate on the presentations offered. We intend to have both live presentations and the ability to select pre-recorded ones that may be specific to topics of interest.

The Reunion Center will be just that. We want this to be a place “to go to”, and offer what no other reunion area of the Country has. We will have banquet facilities for group meetings and awards. Catering possibilities will be worked out as the facility takes shape. The Marion Area Convention & Visitors Bureau can help coordinate additional local travel to attractions and points of interest to enhance a groups stay.

The goal is ultimately to be the NATIONAL Vietnam Veterans Museum, Education and Reunion Center, Inc., as nothing of the magnitude that we plan exists at this time. We are willing to earn this title. We are up to that challenge.

Right now, we are in our infancy. Our operating structure is in place and we have a great organization of very talented people to help. (we can always use more help) The next step is a location and then on with construction. We are Incorporated and are a 501[c]3. (non-profit status).

It is simply time to Honor those who have given all and those whose lives have been forever changed in the defense of our liberties on a scale that is appropriate for the duration of history this period represents and the impact it has had on all of our lives.

Thank you for your time and interest and we hope to see you in the nearfuture,

The trustees
of the
Vietnam Veterans Museum, Education & Reunion Center, Inc.