The Wilson County Veterans Museum opened to the public Friday, and visitors young and old came to check out the new site.
The museum features artifacts from the War of 1812 through Operation Iraqi Freedom. Items include uniforms, various weapons, and photographs. Each exhibit features an interactive video screen to educate visitors about the items. Many of the items were donated by Wilson County residents.
“There are a lot of veterans who have been waiting to donate items to a museum of this sort,” said Ret. U.S. Army Col. Jerry McFarland, a Military Historian who helped coordinate the project. “We have a lot of unique things in the museum.”
The centerpiece is a UH-1 “Huey” helicopter used by U.S. soldiers in Vietnam from 1965 to 1968. There are bullet holes in the floor, and visitors are allowed to climb in and get a feel of what it was like to be in combat.
The $2.2 million project started three years ago, and was completed with the help of donations.
“It’s exciting,” said McFarland. “It’s something our community can come and reminisce about.”
New additions will continue to be added. Friday, officials were bringing in a dog tag stamping machine that will make tags for visitors as souvenirs.
County officials believed the museum will be something that will attract visitors to Wilson County.
“We think it’s a big deal tourism wise,” said Randall Hutto, Wilson County Mayor. “It’s a place where veterans can come and remember and they can go back in time.”
The museum completes the Wilson County Veterans Plaza. The complex also features an administrative office and the Veterans Services Office.
The museum is located on East Main Street. It is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays by appointment. It is free to tour the facility, but donations are accepted.
Additional exhibits may be added in the future.
