The sixth annual Veterans Picnic is set for Nov. 10, but the event’s committee is busy drumming up support to help bring a traveling Vietnam War museum to Columbia that week.
Committee Chairman Mark Retcho said the group is raising about $4,000 to bring, “Through the Eyes,” which consists of five tents that include a movie theater, stage presentations and live demonstrations.
“We also hope to bring some exhibits from the Mississippi Armed Forced Museum at Camp Shelby,” Retcho said recently. “Adding the museums would be a great way to say thank you and to honor our veterans. Our hopes are to bring the Vietnam War Museum early in the week for school field trips. The museums will also provide knowledgeable entertainment for Pine Belt schools and communities.”
The picnic, as it always has, will support the Wounded Minutemen of Mississippi, an organization that helps members of all branches of the service who were wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“They are a growing organization,” Retcho said. “Our veterans still need our help and need help for years to come, not only physically and mentally, but spiritually.”
Retcho and others have been out in the community working to raise funds to bring the museum to Columbia in November. Recently, a local business came forward to pledge the deposit amount, and Retcho was working to lock in the dates with museum officials.
“Including the deposit, we calculate that approximately $4,000 will be needed to have the museum here for four days. If we can raise enough funds for more days, then we can invite additional schools to tour the exhibits,” he said.
The museums will be open to the public during the event on Nov. 10, which also includes a car, truck and bike show.
The event itself is free and will be held at the Columbia Water Park. Funds are raised through sponsorships, donations and the entry fee for the vehicle show.
“Through the Eyes” is based in O’Fallon, Mo., and is designed to honor the men and women who lost their lives or served in the Vietnam War. The exhibit presents both images of military personnel and the items they carried and used during their time in country. The exhibit allows people to walk through and view more than 5,000 items and to read about the events and the people that used them.
“The exhibit preserves the history, legacy and selfless duties performed by members of our armed forces,” Retcho said. “It will redden and bring tears to your eyes and spirit as well as cause you to laugh out loud and fill your heart with warmth and honor.”
To help sponsor the event or make a donation, contact Veterans Service Officer Dewey Blansett at (601) 736-0740 or (601) 736-2239. Checks can be made to VFW Post 5393 in care of the Veterans Service Office, 124 McGeeHee Drive.
