Mark Twain Museum Announces Salute to Armed Forces Exhibit

Wednesday, 11 March 2009 19:24

The Mark Twain Museum is preparing a special salute to our Armed Forces. During the period May 15 through June 15 the museum will host a display of photographs, uniforms and memorabilia in honor of Armed Forces veterans. The Museum chose to do this as a way to thank those who have dedicated their life to protecting our country. Appropriately the salute commences just before Memorial Day.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank and recognize our many local members of the armed forces, past and present, for their service and sacrifice for our country. We are glad to have this venue available for such a salute,” said Henry Sweets, Museum curator.

Photographs of military personnel or photographs taken while on active duty are sought. These can be included two ways. Pictures framed or ready to hang should be accompanied by a brief description including service, name and rank of principal subjects.

Scanned photographic images may be submitted and will be used in a power point presentation to run during the exhibit. E-mail images with brief description to henry.sweets@marktwainmuseum.org for inclusion in this display.

Armed Forces memorabilia is also sought for display. This includes medals, decorations, uniforms, citations or other pieces that would be of interest to visitors. No live ammunition or ordinance will be considered.

All submissions must be delivered to the Mark Twain Museum Gallery, 120 North Main Street, on weekdays until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 30. A loan form will be filled out giving permission to display the items and to use them in publicity photographs. Loaned materials will be available for pick up starting Tuesday, June 16 and should be retrieved by Thursday, June 18.

Special events are being planned for Memorial Day, May 25 and Flag Day, June 14. All events will be posted on the Museum’s website at www.marktwainmuseum.org.

In addition to the Armed Forces exhibit, there will be a luminary ceremony at Nipper Park at dusk on Saturday, May 24. The ceremony will consist of releasing a floating luminary on Bear Creek. You may also include a message within the luminary. Interested persons will have the opportunity to obtain the luminaries for a small donation earlier in the day. Any profits realized from the luminary project will be utilized towards the cleanup of a local cemetery in need.

If you have any questions, contact Henry Sweets at henry.sweets@marktwainmuseum.org or phone 573-221-9010.