One of the definitions of the word arsenal is that it is a collection of things that achieve a particular purpose.

The purpose of the Washington National Guard Museum on Camp Murray, otherwise known as the Arsenal, is to educate the public and those who serve in the Washington National Guard in its history and traditions.

"This building, this museum, is a walk into and through the tradition of the Guard," stated Rick Patterson, a veteran of the Guard and co-director of the museum. "Leadership meets here; this museum educates those who serve in the Guard; the future meets the past."

In May 1950, Armed Forces Day was created to expand the public's understanding of the role of the military in civilian life.

In this context, the idea that the public should remember and honor those who serve in the military this coming Armed Forces Day takes on a special meaning.

For those who serve in the Washington National Guard, as well as for those who serve in other states' Guards, Armed Forces Day, celebrated on May 20, honors citizen-soldiers who have served and do serve their state and nation.

"They've signed up for a dual mission," added Emory Lehman, II, a veteran of the Guard and the other co-director of the museum. "The Arsenal is where the story of their service to the state of Washington and the nation is preserved."

Built in 1916 - one year before the construction of Camp Lewis - the Arsenal is the oldest structure on Camp Murray.

Currently, the Washington National Guard State Historical Society operates the museum.

The historic building that now houses the Guard's history is a treasure trove of displays, artifacts and information running back to 1854, the year the Washington Territorial Militia was formed.

A new display features the service of the Western Air Defense Sector - or WADS - contributions to the nation's defense.

Currently, Patterson, Lehman and a host of volunteers are working to catalog the more than 10,000 photographs and thousands of publications and journals the museum possesses.

The two directors have not been shy about allowing students, librarians and historians from the University of Washington to help out with the labors.

"In the future, there will be a research library here," Patterson pointed out.  "With (more than) five thousand books now on hand, we've got a good start on that."

In their plans to fully utilize the museum's space, Patterson and Lehman "research, then build."

In promoting the importance of the past-to-present interface, the Arsenal also hosts the Recruitment Sustainment Program, or RSP.

"Before our enlistees head off to basic training, they come here and learn about the Guard's history," Lehman pointed out.

Armed Forces Day honors the Washington National Guard's history.

At present, the Arsenal is open Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and by appointment.  Plans are in the works to have the museum open five days a week.

For more information, visit waguardmuseum.org or call 253.512.7834.