SHAMOKIN, NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— On this week's Veterans Voices, an American Legion in Northumberland County has been turned into a military history museum honoring area soldiers from all wars.
But now there's concern over who will eventually take care of the thousands of pieces of memorabilia for future generations.
Visit any American Legion in NEPA, and you'll see bits of military history hanging on the walls.
But at American Legion Post 73 in Shamokin, the number of items on display is in the thousands, from historic photos to military uniforms.
"The family got me all this stuff," stated American Legion Post 73 member Roger Alleman.
It all started with this man. Veteran Roger Alleman, years ago, started collecting items from his tour of duty in Vietnam.
Eventually family and friends gave him artifacts found in garages and basements from local soldiers who also fought in Southeast Asia. He believes preserving military history is important, especially for young visitors.
"That's history. We like it when the kids come in, even the older kids. They get to see what went on," said Alleman.
Enter Stephen Miller, the Commander of Post 73. He believes this collection is one of the largest in Pennsylvania.
From photos of the Spanish-American War Monument Dedication in Shamokin, to the medals, it shows how important Northumberland county was, and is to keeping America free.
"There are so many guys from the area that served. Mt. Carmel, Shamokin, Coal Township, Treverton, Kulpmont. The whole surrounding area. The coal region," voiced Miller.
But the post is at a critical juncture. Upkeep isn't easy and Stephen already does most the hard labor.
"I just re-did all the floors. I painted the hallways, the floors, two rooms back there. It took months," explained Miller.
Like many local posts, membership is down, and there aren't enough people to run it. He says it's possible another legion could eventually take over.
For now, both veterans say they're hoping to honor every Shamokin veteran they come across.
The museum is on the second floor, so Post 73 has applied for a grant to fund an elevator to help disabled veterans to get to see the artifacts.
