Yesterday, before attending a Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area Board of Trustees meeting in Waterloo, Iowa, I finally took the time to stop at a place I’ve driven by countless times - the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum. I’m so glad I did!
The museum is part of the Grout Museum District, which is a member of the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area. This heritage area is a network of museums and historical sites in the Northeast quadrant of Iowa that collectively tell the story of Iowa and the heritage of American agriculture. It’s an honor for me to begin my term this year as a board member for such an impactful organization.
The Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum truly brings history to life with its interactive displays and wealth of information on Iowa's role in all of America’s wars and conflicts. When I arrived, I received a dog tag that made the visit feel even more personal. Scanning it in each war or conflict area revealed what life would have been like for someone from Iowa during that time. My tag represented an 8-year-old girl from Cedar Falls, which added a unique perspective to my journey through history.
I was especially impressed with the Voice of Veterans videos, which featured interviews with Iowa veterans from WWII to today. Hearing their stories firsthand was moving and gave a voice to the names and faces we honor.
The section on the Sullivan Brothers was deeply informative. I learned so much more about this heroic family whose sacrifice is a cornerstone of Iowa's military history.
I spent a significant amount of time in the Vietnam War section, where I found information about my husband’s uncle, who was killed in action during the war. It was a touching moment of personal connection within the broader historical record.
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| PFC Roger Lee Gertsen United States Marine Corps KIA March 31, 1966 |
Another highlight was seeing a display about the 34th Red Bull Division in the WWII area. My youngest sister served with this division during its mission in Iraq, and I was struck by how its legacy continues today.
I also discovered a fascinating fact: during WWII, John Deere workers in Iowa helped build nearly 50,000 Sherman tanks — a testament to the state’s contributions on the home front.
It’s amazing how often we pass by incredible places right in our own backyards without stopping to explore. This museum left me with a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made and the stories preserved within its walls. If you’ve ever thought about visiting, don’t wait like I did — take the time to discover what’s just around the corner.
Have you visited the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum? If so, what stood out to you?
(For more information on the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum and other heritage sites, visit the Silos & Smokestacks website to explore this impressive network of historical locations.)
When I was in New orleans earlier this year I took my daughters to the National WWII Museum. as might be expected, for teenagers it eas a bit hard to hold their interest. But, I tried to get them to imagine the experience of a young man who might never have been more than a hundred miles from Des Moines, IA and who learns he's on his way to (say) Saipan or Tarawa - places he's never heard of. So many people would have emerged incredibly changed even apart from the war.
ReplyDeleteHow true!
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