This article was originally published in The News-Enterprise on June 29, 2018.
A new exhibit featuring memorabilia left at the replica Vietnam Memorial Wall in the Elizabethtown Nature Park is on display at the Hardin County History Museum.
Bill Bennett, chairman of the Hardin County History Museum board, said about 20 items currently are on display, ranging from letters and newspaper clippings to photographs and engraved stones.
The decision to house and display non-perishable items left at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was made by the museum board.
Bennett said the case housing the items is near the front of the building because staff thought the items deserved a prominent and highly visible spot.
Bennett said any overflow, which he expects, will be placed in a larger case in the back. He said the museum’s staff discussed the future possibility of a small building near the new wall to house veteran memorabilia.
Bennett said Veterans Tribute President C.T. Christie collects the items from the wall and filters what comes to the museum.
Bennett said he finds the handwritten notes left at the wall “heartfelt.”
“You read this and see how much they miss the people they love and not only that, they honor them for their ultimate sacrifice,” he said.
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