One of the best ways to celebrate Memorial Day is to visit the 45th Infantry Museum. Located in the Adventure District, the museum is dedicated to telling the story of the 45th Infantry Division.
The 45th Infantry Division (nicknamed the Thunderbirds) was organized in 1923 under the National Defense Act of 1920. The guardsman saw no major action until 1941, when they were one of the first National Guard units activated for World War II. During the war, the 45th participated in four amphibious landings and fought their way across Sicily, Italy, France and Germany.
During the Sicily campaign, the unit served with General George S. Patton. The renowned general had high praise for the 45th, saying, “Your division is one of the best, if not best division in the history of American arms.” The division led the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp in Germany and the museum includes artifacts from this historic event.
The 45th was activated a second time in June of 1950 for the Korean War. The unit was one of only two National Guard divisions to see combat in the Korean War.
The 45th Infantry Division’s contribution to America is distinguished, as nine men were awarded Medals of Honor and the division sustained more than 25,000 battle casualties.
The museum is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in military history, and features a 15-acre park that holds more than 60 different types of combat vehicles. The museum is so dedicated to telling the story of the 45th that admission is free, although donations are appreciated.
Each Memorial Day the museum holds a special ceremony that begins at 10 a.m.
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