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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (July 1, 2015)
ABOUT The idea to create a military heritage museum on the Oregon coast started percolating back in mid-2008 when founding Director Cal Applebee attended a non-profit planning seminar representing the Veterans Parade Committee of Florence. During that seminar, he discovered that approximately 21 percent of the Florence community were Veterans, as well as the fact that approximately 1,300 WWII Veterans die each day in the United States. He began to realize that, combined with the retirement age population of the community, much of their heritage and even their artifacts could be lost upon their passing. Cal shared his thoughts with the other Directors of the Veterans Parade Committee of Florence, and founding Directors Tim Sapp and Wayne Sharpe agreed that a museum was a logical next step. They began recruiting additional like-minded individuals to join them, and over the following few months, a new Board was formed for the Oregon Coast Military Heritage Museum, officers were elected, and planning began for our mission and focus. This led to the tag line from our mission statement: “Honoring our Veterans by educating our public.” We feel it is important to educate the public about, and honor the sacrifices made during, all periods of military conflict, not just any particular period of history. We feel it is also important to educate the public and honor all aspects of military service, not just one particular branch or discipline. All Veterans and their families, past and present, have contributed greatly to our nations heritage and safety, and are worthy of honoring. When word got out that a military museum was going to be built, many people expressed excitement and interest in helping. And with a small grant and some seed money from good friends, the museum began to take shape. For four years a stalwart group of volunteers pursued the dream, sawing away at obstacles, shoveling resources into necessities, hammering out decisions, moving heaven and earth to raise funds, and painting a positive picture for the eagerly awaiting public. Florence Habitat for Humanity Volunteers salute all Veterans and stand ready to assist area veterans with home repairs and other maintenance chores. Congratulations on the Military Museum! What an accomplishment! www.fl orencehabitat.org OPENING CEREMONIES: Saturday, July 4th, 2015 • Ribbon Cutting 1:00 pm • USCG Color Guard presentation • Pledge of Allegiance • Star Spangled Banner performed by Nyha Vollmar • America the Beautiful performed by Nancy Pearson and Wayne Sharpe • Introduction of VIP’s, President Tim Sapp • Acknowledgements – Wayne Sharpe and Tim Sapp • Special Message - Ray Brown • Dessert Auction Congratulations and THANK YOU for your hard work to our community Disabled American Veterans #23 1715 21st St. • Florence DIVERSIFIED MARINE & EQUIPMENT SALES OREGON COAST’S SUPERSTORE We Do SAND- BLASTING!! “Where You Always Get a Whale of a Deal!” Metal Buildings • Wooden Sheds Consignment: ATVs, Rvs, Boats, Cars & Trucks Complete Detail Service: RVs, Cars, Trucks & Boats, Enclosed/Open Trailers for Sale or Rent Boat, Motor, Trailer Repair Service, Used Vehicle Sales diversifi edmarineandequipmentsales.com Veteran Owned & Operated • Jim & Bonnie Johnston, Owners 2530 Hwy. 101, Florence • 541-997-4505 Oregon Coast Military Museum Grand Opening | July 1, 2015 - 3
