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Chehalis museum pays tribute to individual soldiers rather than just battles and other dates

TRIBUTE: Wayne Bier stands in front of the museum case honoring his son killed in Iraq five years ago. It is one of many tributes to local military personnel at the Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis, Wash. Photo by Alice Nelson

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Wayne Bier stands quietly in front of a case housing memories of his son, Joseph Phillip Bier, who died in Iraq five years ago, when a woman rushes in and taps him on the shoulder.

What comforts Bier and thousands of others is a wonderful building that is dedicated to remembering and honoring young men and women: people who paid the ultimate price for their country.

The Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis, is, in museum assistant administrator Chip Duncan's view, hallowed ground.

"It's a place where soldiers can come and heal," Duncan says. "We see that happen here all the time."

The museum is like no other in the country. Instead of traditional museum-type displays, it pays tribute to individuals. Tall showcases are filled with the memories and tell the unique stories of men who fought in the Revolutionary War to the men and women who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Stories like those of  "Hollywood handsome" John Hemminger, a fighter pilot in World War II.

Hemminger's case houses his sharply pressed brown uniform; medals and certificates are beautifully framed; and pictures of the sandy-haired young man who gunned down the last two Japanese planes on Aug. 14, 1945, give a glimpse into this soldier's life.

Hemminger passed away of Parkinson's disease in 2006. The folder from his funeral is among the precious items, many donated by John, himself, when he was alive and would travel from Tillicum to the museum.

In the museum's lobby, a large gift shop, library and dining area provide an informal place for veterans and visitors to meet.

In addition to dozens of handsome showcases depicting the lives of individual soldiers, another one-of-a-kind display stands out: a large piece of the World Trade Center sits next to a chunk of the Pentagon.

Softly lit, they are part of the 9/11 display donated by John Jackson, founder of the Spirit of American Foundation. Placed against the dramatic backdrop of an enormous American flag, people are allowed to touch and ponder a day that changed this country forever.

"We feel that this place is hallowed ground," Duncan says.  "This museum brings peace and healing and honor to those who served. That is our focus."

The museum, founded by Lee Grimes as "a call from God to honor the brave men and women who served their country," Duncan says, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.  The Museum is located at 100 S.W. Veterans Way, Chehalis.  Call (360) 740-8875 for more information, or click on www.veteransmuseum.org

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