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World War II exhibit makes you proud, thankful

Guest Commentary

By Harriett Long Bannon

Published: September 9, 2009

A hot August afternoon did little or nothing to stifle the enthusiasm of the crowds of people who attended the Soldier's Reunion in Newton. What a joy it was to hear our state song, "The Good Old North State," played by the Newton Conover High School Band. We don't hear it often enough.

The heart-warming performances by other bands, Confederate uniformed soldiers, cheerleaders and gymnasts, beauty queens and politicians, antique cars and farm equipment, made the whole parade experience a little bit of Americana.

It was especially poignant to me because I had earlier attended the opening of the World War II exhibit in the 1924 Courthouse Museum of the Catawba County Historical Association.

I especially wish to thank Jason Toney, assistant director, for his display of WWII artifacts and memorabilia honoring Catawba County veterans using souvenirs shared by residents of our county.

Included are American, Japanese and German uniforms, guns, photographs, diaries, flags, maps, models, and much more that paint a vivid picture of the war and that period of our country's history.

This WWII display increases our appreciation for our brave men and women (on the homefront, too) who sacrificed so much to save our country from defeat. They gave their all.

We know much time has passed, and these veterans are dying by the thousands each day. They must not be forgotten. The history of our country needs to be emphasized as one of our more important subjects in the schools.

It is necessary for our survival, our well-being, and the future of our country.

The exhibit will be on display through January 2010 at the CCHA Courthouse Museum in Newton.

I urge all parents to view it with their children, and teachers with their students. It will make you proud to be an American.

And don't forget to go to the Soldiers Reunion Parade next August.

Harriet Bannon, of Hickory, is an N.C. Senior Tarheel legislator; a retired elementary school principal and teacher and an active church and community volunteer.