Gold Star Museum unveils Vietnam display

The Gold Star Museum at Camp Dodge in Johnston is inviting the public this weekend for the opening of a new addition to its military museum display. Retired Navy Commander Larry Spencer will be a featured speaker. He says the museum covers Iowans and their involvement in military affairs from World War One to the current day, noting “the things that were real-world to us in our generation are things in the history book now to today’s youngsters.” The museum will be unveiling a new addition, a display about the Vietnam war. Iowans have had what Spencer calls “wonderful” participation in the armed forces, back to the Civil war when Iowa had the most participants. He says this museum’s not just about the National Guard, it shows the history of all Iowans’ military experience, and the expanded exhibit honors the people who served in the Vietnam era. Spencer will be the speaker at the official opening of the new exhibit, this (Saturday) afternoon at two.He says all Iowans should be proud of their involvement with the military and notes that Camp Dodge has played a big part in the state’s history. Spencer first came upon it when he participated in Boys State in 1957, an event that was held at the camp. During his own career in the military, Spencer served in Vietnam. He was a pilot whose plane was shot down, and Spencer was a prisoner of war in Vietnam for seven years. Spencer says many served in Vietnam, noting the museum honors the experience of veterans of the Army but also Air Force, Navy, “all Iowans who have served.” He says the experience will remain lifelong and leave “tremendous learning,” adding that “those Iowa values and traditions stand you in good stead.” Spencer will be joined at the opening ceremonies by Iowa Congressman Leonard Boswell, a former Army pilot who served two tours in Vietnam. The Gold Star Military Museum opens at 9 AM and the introduction of the new Vietnam display will be at 2 P.M. Find a link to the museum on-line at www.iowanationalguard.com