Voicing Our Veterans’ Stories Opens September 24

Opening September 24 at the Des Plaines History Center, Voicing Our Veterans’ Stories, explores pivotal moments in a service member’s journey and the experiences of local Des Plaines veterans.

This exhibit will immerse visitors in the milestones of military service from boot camp and traditions to homecoming and the lasting effects. Covering history from the Civil War to the Global War on Terror, the exhibit will demonstrate the common threads that connect veterans throughout history to one another. Visitors and families have the opportunity to participate in a piece of veterans’ experiences with interactive displays, including making their own challenge coin, testing their strength with the Army fitness test, and recognizing the service members in their lives by adding the names to the Wall of Honor.

“Des Plaines has such a rich history of military service; this exhibit is only a small snippet of their stories,” says Curator Olivia Cimino. “I would need a warehouse to cover everything.”

History is brought to life with paraphernalia and first-hand testimonies from local residents. Uniforms and photographs from the Des Plaines History Center’s collections will be on display alongside artifacts from the National Museum of the American Sailor and masterful models of military aircraft, tanks, and ships built by John Kauck, a member of the local McKinstry IPMS Model Club.

“Every veteran carries a story of service, sacrifice, courage, and devotion to country,” says Army veteran Dennis Murray, executive director of the Des Plaines History Center. “Through Voicing Our Veterans’ Stories, the Des Plaines History Center is honored to preserve those deeply personal experiences and ensure that the voices of our veterans are heard, remembered, and shared with future generations.”

An opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, September 24, from 6 to 8 pm. Voicing Our Veterans’ Stories is open September 24 until December 30.

The Des Plaines History Center is located at 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines, IL, and is open Monday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm. For more information, visit DesPlainesHistory.org.

Voicing Our Veterans' Stories is generously supported by the Des Plaines Theatre and Onesti Entertainment, as well as Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers.