MN Military Museum Visit
I recently had the pleasure of traveling with the Rosemount Beyond the Yellow Ribbon group to the Minnesota Military Museum in Little Falls. Our day began early in Rosemount, where we boarded a comfortable coach for the trip north. Along the way, someone asked whether there were any WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) on the bus. I piped up that there was a WAC (Women's Army Corps) aboard, which earned a few chuckles and got the day off to a fun start.
When we arrived at the brand-new museum, one of the first sights to catch our attention was what looked like a submarine buried in the ground. It is actually the sail, or conning tower, of the USS Minnesota, cleverly incorporated into the landscaping to create a striking illusion.
The new 40,000-square-foot museum is much larger than the former facility, and it is absolutely beautiful. Its thoughtfully designed galleries cover every American conflict since the Civil War, creating an impressive setting for preserving and sharing Minnesota's military history. Post 1 even has a special connection to the displays: Post 1 member and 2nd Vice Commander Bob Finnerty somehow managed to get a Post 1 license plate into one of the display cases. Way to go, Bob!
The outdoor displays are equally impressive. Military vehicles and aircraft are now presented on proper pads around a beautiful patio, giving visitors an excellent setting in which to see them up close.
Our group received a special welcome and introduction from the Museum Executive Director, followed by a docent-led tour of the exhibits. We also enjoyed an excellent box lunch and had time before and after lunch to explore the museum on our own before boarding the bus for the return trip to Rosemount.
It was a terrific experience from beginning to end. The new Minnesota Military Museum is a beautiful, thoughtfully presented tribute to military service and history, and I highly recommend a visit. @rosemountbehondtheyellowribbon @mnveteransmuseum
Click to enlarge the images below.
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