24-05-2025
Raleigh County Veterans and First Responders Museum to honor veterans for Memorial Day Weekend
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) – The Raleigh County Veterans and First Responders Museum will be opening its doors the public for Memorial Day weekend.
Less than a year after moving to its new location at the former State Police barracks in Beckley, the museum has brought in countless historical artifacts for display, many of which were donated by veterans locally and from around the country. Raleigh County Veterans and First Responders Museum President, Ron Hedrick told 59News he plans to eventually open the museum on a full-time basis, and that it is his hope the facility can be about more than just recognizing veterans and can be a direct resource for the veterans themselves.'We kind of hope that the museum will be like a beacon to veterans who just need a place to hang out,' he said. 'Maybe a place to unload, come and meet other veterans, hang out, talk, and have a cup of coffee – and maybe they'll find a home.'Hedrick and museum staff will be on-hand Saturday morning for the annual memorial service at the American Legion Veterans Cemetery at 9:00 a.m., after which the museum doors will open to the community at 10:00am to 5:00pm. Guests will be able to check out museum exhibits, grab a hotdog, and maybe even take home some prizes donated by local businesses as part of a raffle to benefit the museum.
Folks are also welcome to attend a candlelight service at the American Legion Veterans Cemetery on Sunday night, where the Salvation Army Brass band will be putting on a performance of patriotic numbers.
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