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‘VIETNAM Revisited’ this weekend in Boalsburg

BOALSBURG – The Pennsylvania Military Museum in Centre County will host reenactors from the Greater Pennsylvania Military Preservation Association and others in a weekend of living history and educational programming on U.S. personnel in South Vietnam this weekend.

“By presidential proclamation in May of 2012, President Barack Obama declared the period of time from 2012 to 2025 as a Commemorative Period to honor all Americans who served in that long campaign,” says museum educator, Joe Horvath. “We’ve been out in front remembering Vietnam in this manner since 2007, expanding our programming each year.”

The weekend begins Friday evening in the museum theater with a 6:30 p.m. talk by retired Armstrong Industries chemist, Dr. Ron Lenox, on napalm and Agent Orange, the two iconic chemical weapons of the Vietnam War. Dr. Lenox will discuss the development and deployment of these weapons systems in the field.

The Saturday/Sunday Firebase bivouac featuring the 1st Cavalry (recreated) opens at 10 a.m. with vehicle and weapons displays, Armed Forces Radio Network Vietnam on the camp speaker, and Red Cross Donut Dollies welcoming visiting veterans with a cool drink. “In-country” veterans are encouraged to sign a map-board identifying themselves by name, unit, and year of service.

“Recognizing their service and sacrifices is not only important due to the Commemorative Period, but also because of the welcome-home these brave men and women did not receive years ago. The weekend serves as a poignant reminder of those who did not come home, and for those who did, to reconnect with friends, and other veterans” says museum administrator, Tyler Gum.

A Saturday lecture features Dr. Julie Decker of the Penn State College of Nursing who will talk about the role of Army Nurses in Vietnam at 10:30 a.m. in the museum theater.

Throughout the weekend visitors get the opportunity to accompany a scout on patrol as they navigate through “Indian Country” learning about the peculiar fighting environment inside a jungle canopy. A short explanation of America’s involvement in Southeast Asia and ambush demonstration is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. each day.

The events will be held rain or shine.

Veterans are encouraged to post their names on the sign-board of service.

The Pennsylvania Military Museum and 28th Division Shrine at 51 Boal Ave, 16827, is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. For more information on activities visit www.pamilmuseum.org; call 814-466-6263 and like us on Facebook.

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