Veterans to be recognized at opening of “War Stories” exhibit at Belton Depot

All veterans along with their families in this area are being celebrated by War Stories, the newest exhibit at the Belton Train Depot.  In addition to a recognition ceremony, several ancillary activities have been planned.  The BHP JAFROTC Color Guard will begin the program with the presentation of colors, and Cadet Ronald Webber will perform military drills with his rifle.  This presentation will be followed by a short concert of patriotic songs.

Several military organizations offered interesting presentations throughout the opening reception.  The SC National Guard will be on the lawn with some armored military vehicles.  The US Army conducted a short program about the changes in military uniforms and gear over the last century and the US Navy provided a video presentation followed by a preview of the video documentary about hometown boy and naval officer Stan Marshall who launched the rescue of future President John F. Kennedy after his PT109 was torpedoed in the Pacific during WWII.

Visitors can view the exhibit, which memorializes our local military history from the Revolutionary War to the present day Afghan War.   The centerpiece of the exhibit is a WWII Army jeep, surrounded by war trophies, military uniforms from 20^th and 21^st century wars, memorabilia, letters, and home front artifacts.   The Local American Legion Post 51 members will be dispersed among the displays to share stories about their wartime service.

A Red Cross quilt, pieced together by Belton women to support the troops during WWI, is also on display.  This 100-year old-artifact was never completed, but it lists the names of Belton citizens who paid a $1to have their signatures added to the fundraising quilt.  BAMA is selling identical quilt squares and the ability to have modern day names added for $5 per name.  These squares will be sewn together by folk artist Maree Dowdy of the SC State Museum and the completed quilt will become part of the permanent military display in the Ruth Drake Museum.

As part of the “War Stories” exhibit, seventeen veterans from several conflicts have been interviewed for the Library of Congress Veteran’s History Project.  These interviews are being transcribed and made into documentary films by ASD2 5^th graders.  The documentary films will be shown at a Red Carpet Premiere on Tuesday, May 24, starting at 11:00 at the depot.

“War Stories” is being presented by the Belton Area Museum Association and is sponsored by the City of Belton HTAX and Anderson County ATAX.

For more information contact Executive Director Kathy Benson at the museum 864-338-7400.  The exhibit will be on display until June 11 during normal hours Wednesday and Thursday 9 – 2; Friday 9 – 4; Saturday 9 – 1; or by appointment.