TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO-WAWV)– If you like military history and memorabilia, then visit downtown Terre Haute.
The Veterans Memorial Museum of Terre haute was the idea of Brian Mundell. He started building the museum in 2010 and today, it has hundreds of items and stories, plus, there’s a new feature, which enhances a visitor’s experience.
“We can never forget, what these men and women have sacrificed for people like me who have never served,” said Mundell.
Virtually every item has a story behind it, and Brian knows about each display. That’s impressive, but also a challenge. He’s not always there to tell the stories, so they have attached QR codes to almost 40 displays.
The project was funded by Thompson Thrift because Paul Thrift was compelled to help the
museum.
‘I was compelled because I think it’s really one of the best kept secrets in Vigo County. And Brian has done such a tremendous job of capturing memorabilia, collectibles from familIes but not only has he captured and collected memorabilia, but has collected so many compelling stories,” said Thrift.
The process is pretty simple, point a phone’s camera at the code and a photo of the display, a
written description and a voice plays.
The voice is that of Vietnam Army veteran Jerome Trierweiler, he has several items in the museum including this tiger stripe camo uniform when he served.
Narrating was an honor and he was compelled to help because after 50 years, Vietnam
veterans are now treated with respect.
“It was a labor of love that this man did, with this museum, they need to see it,” said Trierweiler.
There are many stories, like this German. site plan of the Stalag 9B prison camp, which was
brought back to the states by Earl Van Scoyk.
There’s also, this large honor roal of those who served in World War II from
Gerstmeyer High School with stars by the 70 plus men who were killed in action.
So much to see, and so inspiration and now an improved way to learn more about
so many Hometown Heroes.
