(ABOVE) Vermilion County War Museum Board of Directors president Jim Kouzmanoff poses next to one of the museum’s newest displays: British Soldiers in World War II.
The Vermilion County War Museum continues to receive communications, and often donations, from numerous locations around the world. Board of Directors president Jim Kouzmanoff recently showed Neuhoff Media a little green utility bag from World War II that had been left behind in France.
The owner’s family had built up a collection of World War II items. One day he was going through them, found the little green bag with the name KEKIKIAN (kuh-KEEK-ee-an) on it, did some research; and realized he was from the Chicago area, and was buried in Springfield. The family felt an Illinois war museum should have it, and Danville’s was contacted. Kouzmanoff says it’s great to hear from so many people around the globe.
Display at Vermilion County War Museum shows Illinois Veteran’s utility bag; discovered in France among a family’s WWII collectibles.
AUDIO: Well, it feels awfully good. It’s also indicative of our visitors that come from Las Vegas, Nevada; and Fairbanks, Alaska. You wouldn’t believe where visitors come from to see us.
The Vermilion County War Museum’s hours, in the old library at 307 North Vermilion; continue to be Noon to 4 PM Tuesdays through Fridays, and 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturdays. They will once again be the site of this Tuesday’s (June 13th) TAPS ON TUESDAY at 6 PM, before the June 20th TAPS ON TUESDAY moves over to Atherton Cemetery on Perrysville Road.
FOR MORE ON THE VERMILION COUNTY WAR MUSEUM, PLEASE CHECK OUT LAURA WILLIAMS’ RECENT 1490 WDAN “COMMUNITY CONNECTION” INTERVIEW WITH TARA AUTER AND LARRY WEATHERFORD:
