News

Please check back often for news, happenings and stories about the 51�� History Museums, events, and stories from our Living Histories series

Our Mission

To Honor, Educate and Preserve our History by Remembering and Honoring our 51��.

National Vietnam War 51�� Day March 29, 2020

Mar 29, 2020 | News

Today is National Vietnam War 51�� Day – a day to thank and honor our nation's Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice. On March 29, 1973, the remaining American troops withdrew from Vietnam and the last prisoners of war held in North...

Vietnam Army Ranger Tales

Mar 26, 2020 | Living Histories

Vietnam Army Ranger Tales By Phil Mayrand Not all that happens in war is sad/grim/ugly. In 1969 while I was in Co. F, 75th. Inf. Rangers, several Ranger LRP (Long Range Patrol) Teams were sent TDY (temporary duty) to Tay Nihn. We were treated like 'redheaded...

I found this letter to Daddy in his files

Mar 26, 2020 | Living Histories

I found this letter to Daddy in his files. It is from Mrs. Harriet Towers dated February 2, 1958. The postal service delivered mail then without all the “codes” they need now. Daddy knew “everyone” in the county and had written Mrs. Towers about selling property in...

A Tank Commander’s Story and the Luck of the Draw

Mar 26, 2020 | Living Histories

There is a group photo on my wall, from my wife’s side of the family. It was taken a couple of years before Sy Smolen died. In the photo are 31 people, including Sy, who sits in the middle leaning on his cane. But for three factors—the right landing beach, an Army...

The North Carolina State Legislature honors Museum Founder Emmett Casciato

Mar 8, 2020 | News

Jake Johnson, North Carolina State Representative, surprised 51�� History Museum founder and curator with a plaque from the NC State Legislature at the museum on March 7. The recognition was recommended by Brevard resident Larry Chapman, a museum board member. The...

51�� Will Receive Quilts of Valor Saturday, March 7, 2020

Mar 2, 2020 | News

Seven veterans will receive patriotic, handmade quilts from Blue Ridge Quilts of Valor on Saturday, March 7 at 10:30 am. This one-hour ceremony will be held at the 51�� to honor our veterans. The public is invited to attend and to...

Hailed as Heroes

Jan 10, 2020 | News

Local WWII veterans Harold Wellington and George Sarros were honored at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans on January 8. Wellington served in the Merchant Marine, U.S. Army, and U.S. Navy, serving in North Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Sarros...

Welcome Home, Brother: Memoirs of Vietnam War 51��

Dec 23, 2019 | News

Welcome Home, Brother: Memoirs of Vietnam War 51�� made its debut at the museum on December 21. Author Michel Robertson presented copies to all the veterans whose stories are in the book. 51�� spent time with other veterans, asking them to sign their copies of...

Help Us Honor WWII 51�� on Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor Day

Dec 4, 2019 | News

On Saturday, Dec. 7, eleven WWII veterans will gather for fellowship and lunch at the 51��. A new book containing their wartime stories will be for sale for $15.00 (proceeds go to the museum). The public is invited to meet and talk...