This Memorial Day…Don’t Forget.
For many, Memorial Day means a long weekend full of sun, food, and relaxation. These freedoms can be enjoyed because of the sacrifice of many who died serving in the United States Armed Forces. Each Memorial Day, it is important to honor those men and women serving the U.S. Military and reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
The Marshfield Center for History’s “Lest We Forget” Military Exhibit is dedicated to showcasing the history and stories of those Marshfield area residents involved in various wars throughout American history. Documenting everything from Marshfield resident Governor Upham’s involvement in the Civil War to local soldiers who fought in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom, the exhibits bring to life the perils of combat.
“We love our military display,” said Shirley Mook, Project Director and President of the Marshfield Historic Preservation Association. “It tells the story of those men and women who fought, most of them from Marshfield. We like to keep it quite local, though there are some other aspects that aren’t quite local that help tell the story.”
Though comprised of just 800 square feet, Lest We Forget provides ample room to explore Marshfield’s military past. For example, visitors can learn about Company A and the 2nd Regiment Band, who became part of the formation of the famed 32nd Division, both of which were later involved in challenging battles during WWII. Through life-size displays, dioramas, and personal stories, learn about Pearl Harbor, the Bataan Death March, Iwo Jima, the Battle for Buna in New Guinea, D-Day at Omaha Beach, and the Battle of the Bulge. Get a taste for the gruesome realities of Vietnam and Korea, and reflect on the cost of freedom by reading the names on the Fallen Soldier Memorial. Wander through special exhibits that highlight women, aviation, the Navy, and more.
“We really, really love the space here,” said Mook, who added that the museum will get 3,000 square feet after the completion of the new Marshfield Public Library and Community Center next year. “We think that it’s a valuable resource. We have a lot of families that come, students, many visitors from outside of the city, from other states, and even from foreign countries.”
“It’s been a marvelous project to put together and we’ve had fun doing it,” she said., “It’s also been very gratifying.”
The exhibit is open Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 1:00-4:00pm in the lower level of Marshfield Public Library at 211 E. Second Street.
For more information or to get involved, contact Shirley at 715-384-5867.
