Michigan post displays 150 years of military history

About 35 military uniforms had been gathering dust in the basement of American Legion Post 108 in Oxford, Mich., for several years until post member James Parkhurst made it his mission in 1993 to display history for all to see. Now, 22 years later, Parkhurst has inherited 225 military uniforms, an array of weapons and other military artifacts from Oxford locals that span from the American Civil War to Operation Iraqi Freedom, and it’s on display at the post.

Visitors to the museum receive an educational tour about the military artifacts sealed in glass cases from Parkhurst, the curator, and other Legionnaires. Parkhurst enjoys making history come alive for students "because many of the stories that the Post 108 museum chronicles are not taught in schools," he said. "It’s unique for us to have the museum and to have everyone look at it."

A Silver Star and Navy Cross recipient uniform is on display, as well as a Devil’s Brigade and Green Beret. There’s also 75 pillow cases embroidered with verses or illustrations of battleships that were sent home from soldiers to their mothers and significant others.