Not Forgotten: Local Stories of the Vietnam War Era

“Not Forgotten,” a newly opened exhibit at the Excelsior Springs Museum & Archives, tells the story of the Vietnam War Era from the perspective of the local soldiers who served and the families who supported them from the homefront. “Not Forgotten” was created by Museum volunteers as a companion to the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, which is coming to Excelsior Springs in September.
“Not Forgotten” is a heartfelt tribute to all the men and women from Excelsior Springs and neighboring communities who served during the Vietnam War period. Photos, medals, uniforms and other artifacts were provided by the veterans themselves or family members to help tell their stories – from induction to basic training through their active service, whether by land, sea or air. Homefront stories include music and fashion of the era and even a few protest signs. More than 2,000 news articles from the local newspaper over a 20-year period are displayed alphabetically by branch of service. Below a banner of the old Excelsior Springs High School, yearbook photos of 478 students who served are arranged by graduation year.
Nineteen Clay Countians and five Ray Countians, including five from Excelsior Springs, are among the 58,303 servicemen and eight servicewomen named on the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will be brought to Excelsior Springs for five days beginning Sept. 9 by Vietnam and All Veterans of Brevard, Inc. (VVB). The traveling wall is expected to arrive at 8 a.m. on Sept. 9 at the Wal-Mart parking lot and receive an honor escort to the James E. Piburn Ballfield, off Penn Street and Broadway in downtown Excelsior Springs. “Not Forgotten” is open now at the Museum in historic downtown Excelsior Springs. The Museum currently is open on its late winter schedule of Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m.-4 p.m. On April 1, the Museum will resume its five-day schedule of Tuesdays through Saturdays through the end of the year. Please check the Museum’s website at www.esmuseum.com for seasonal hours and times. Entrance is free for all veterans and active-duty service members. Please call 816-630-0101 or email [email protected] to arrange group tours in advance.