Dear Editor,
All the lights, bells, whistles and rinks are gone, and I have to eat my words, “No one will go ice skating in 60 degree Columbia, Mississippi.” Congratulations to all who made it happen.
Now, I’d like to re-call everyone’s attention to another jewel in our midst – and it’s FREE. Tempo at the Marion County Historical Society Museum really picked up during the Vietnam Wall that Heals visit, but I’ve been amazed at how many people have not taken advantage of it.
Curator Carol Durham — Columbia native, world traveler and creative artist — is invaluable, giving twice as much time and effort as the part-time job pays. When the city’s Christmas lighting failed to reach the museum, she got a ladder and put the decorations up herself. But that’s not my point in writing.
Instead, it’s to remind everyone that the special Vietnam exhibit will remain only until Jan. 31. It is informative, personal and moving. Each pro-military or anti-war person of every age should see our local Vietnam veterans share their own experiences via video.
I am deeply grateful to these men for opening their pain, pride and their hearts to express memories, some never openly confronted before. Thank you George Brown, Frankie Matulich, Dutch Van Fleet, Robert Bourne, Bill Harris, George Ben Franklin, Austin Randall and Steve Warren.
May God’s love and our understanding continue to heal the physical and emotional enduring pain of the “Wounded Warriors” from every conflict and war.
VISIT THE MUSEUM!
Theresa Terry Conerly
Columbia
