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Legion sharing military memorabilia
Published Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Too often, according to Ashby American Legion Commander Mark Bratvold, personal military memorabilia is stored in a person’s chest of drawers, basement trunk or other location — not available for others to see these priceless items. The Ashby Legion post changed that in 1985 with the establishment of two displays at its Post 357 headquarters.
“We had just completed the first display area and quickly realized that local veterans also could fill a second display area,” said Bratvold, who served with the U.S. during the Vietnam War era. “It seemed that every veteran and/or family member had a little bit of something that was worth sharing with others.”
Today, he’s proud that those personal memories and military memorabilia are on display for others to see when they attend an event or visit Ashby American Legion Post 357.
“It’s wonderful to take a close look at the displays and see personal photos of Ashby area veterans who served their country, from the Civil War era to the present,” Bratvold said. “Uniforms, guns, and ammunition only tell part of the story. Artwork is marvelous as well, include the Iwo Jima flag raising from World War II that’s the centerpiece of one exhibit.”
Bratvold said it’s fitting that the 26 Ashby Legion Post charter members, from 1919, are prominently recognized. In addition, there’s also artwork on ships, submarines, planes and other military-related insignias.
“We as veterans, and as a Legion post, take special pride in hosting visitors who’ve heard about the displays and who come to see the exhibits here during the summer months and at other times during the year,” he said. “After people come here, we as an organization receive many positive comments.”
Also on display at Ashby American Legion Post 357 is a 42-star American flag from the era of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), prior to the final eight states joining the United States of America.
The GAR created the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) in 1881 to ensure the preservation of their own mission. The GAR also generated several auxiliary organizations such as the National Woman's Relief Corps, Ladies of the GAR and Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
“It’s fitting that we preserve our military history,” Bratvold said. “The Ashby Legion post is happy to be part of this effort.”
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Posted by searles (anonymous) on March 4, 2008 at 12:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good Article...
Hope more people are aware of display and will visit the area....very postive way of showing our patriotism of our area veterans....
Posted by FFSSG (anonymous) on March 4, 2008 at 9:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am glad to hear that the legion is doing this.
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