Miracle of America Museum offers vets free admission Nov. 11

The Miracle of America Museum will honor all veterans on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11, by offering them free admission to the museum. Any veteran coming to the museum that day is simply asked to identify themselves as a military veteran to receive free admission. Their spouse will also be given free admission.

First celebrated as Armistice Day, the day marked the end of World War I, which came in 1918 on the “11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month.” The name was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all veterans who served in our nation’s armed forces.

While the museum has a wide and diverse collection, veterans almost always take time to review the extensive military display. Of special interest at this time of year is the World War I display which contains only a portion of the museum’s collection. A small, but very poignant display tells the story of Orvill Rangeler who served as a corporal in the U.S. Army along the Mexican border before being sent to fight in France in World War I. Sadly, he lost his life in that war shortly before it came to an end. The display includes a letter from his mother to his siblings along with a poem and a Certificate of Honor for his service.

At 11 a.m. on Veterans Day, the poem and letter will be part of a small ceremony held at the museum to honor all veterans.

The museum is located at 36094 Memory Lane in Polson and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for children 2 to 12 and $10 for adults. Children under 2 are admitted free.