H.E.A.R.T.S.

In May, I visited the HEARTS Veterans Museum in Huntsville, Texas. HEARTS stands for "Helping Every American Remember Through Serving" and its mission is to honor the sacrifices of our veterans by educating future generations. The museum began in 1993 with a Veteran's Day display in a Huntsville antique shop and then became a traveling school exhibit. In 1999, a vacant space in the West Hill Mall became home to a collection of memorabilia, artifacts and a timeline of America's wars. Eventually land was donated for a permanent museum, which opened in September 2009. See the complete story at http://heartsmuseum.com/heartsstory.php.

The HEARTS Veterans Museum is located near the Texas Prison Museum, just off Interstate 45 (exit 118). The flag pole area in front of the museum consists of red, white and blue pavers in the shape of the Texas flag. The pavers may be "purchased" and personalized. There is also a wall of honor, across from the main entrance, where memorial plaques may be placed.

I highly recommend visiting this museum. It is filled with interesting artifacts and memorabilia from every war America has been engaged in, from the American Revolution to Operation Iraqi Freedom. A Timeline of Wars winds through the pentagon-shaped building and includes military artifacts and photographs, which were donated by veterans and their families. In addition, there is a section for each branch of the military where uniforms, weapons and photos of veterans are displayed. My dad's photo is on a wall in the Navy exhibit, while my uncle's photo and dress uniform are in the Marine Corp exhibit. There is also a room dedicated to Huntsville resident Colonel M.B. Etheredge, one of the most decorated soldiers in World War II. Colonel Etheredge served four years in Africa, Italy and France, receiving two battlefield promotions and advancing in rank from second lieutenant to captain in only six days. In addition, he received three Silver Star medals in a four-month span. Many of the tour guides at the meseum are veterans and many of them were in combat. We spent two hours on the tour but could easily have stayed longer.

One of the exhibits that fascinated me the most was the World War II island hopping campaign, led by Admiral Chester Nimitz and General Douglas MacArthur. I also learned that seebees are the Construction Battalions (CB's) of the Navy. There are two German lugers on display. One of them has a bullet-shaped indentation. An American soldier shot the luger out of the German soldier's hand before shooting him.

The HEARTS Veterans Museum seeks to remember and honor those who faithfully served our country. The museum also serves current servicemen by sending care packages to troops stationed overseas and to those recovering in military hospitals. I was very impressed by this museum and hope you will have an opportunity to visit and see for yourself.