The Richard I. Bong Heritage Center has changed its name and mission to embrace all post-WWII United States veterans.
The new name, the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center, was announce last week.
"Since the day this museum opened six years ago, there hasn't been a day when a veteran of another American conflict hasn't asked whether we'd ever be able to add their story," said Bob Fuhrman, the museum's director.
"When you think of the enormous number of requests we have had, it speaks volumes as to what this museum has done for the World War II generation and what it will now do for so many others."
With veteran numbers topping 24 million in our country, with over 30 percent of those from the baby boomer Viet Nam era, one Pike Lake, Minn., man was visibly moved as he visited the museum.
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"In the late 1960s when we came home from war, because of the times and unpopularity of that conflict -- our service and stories were ignored. There were no parades for us and very few accolades, so this, this is very special indeed," said Ron Weber who was in the Army with the 5th 60th 9th Infantry Division in Me Kong Delta.
The center will expand its activities and capabilities and will launch an ambitious fundraising effort, according to Terry Lundberg, chairman of the museum's board of directors.
There will be a strong focus on education and interactive displays and in preserving and recognizing veterans and their families' service to a nation.
The Bong center will begin collecting artifacts and documents from residents and families of the region who have served with all branches of military service and in every post-World War 11 conflict.
For more information contact the center at (715) 392-7151.
