ESCANABA — Today is Veterans Day. A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Due to the hard work, contributions and dedication of many individuals, Delta County is home to a wonderful display honoring and memorializing the stories of veterans from across the entire Upper Peninsula. In order to honor veterans and afford all an opportunity to visit, the UP Military Museum will be open today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is in the Delta County Commerce Center at 1001 N Lincoln Road Escanaba.

For nearly two centuries, men and women from the U.P. have served our nation, both in the armed forces and as civilians, to keep our country the land of the free. As you explore this collection of artifacts dating back to the U.S. Civil War, the memorabilia, letters home and diaries will stir your heart.

Tours of the museum are self-guided so guests can enjoy it at their own pace. Visitors will learn how vital the Soo Locks were to arm our troops in the Civil War and Spanish American War and the brave U.P. men who fought in both.

The museum also highlights the rarely told stories of the U.P.’s Native American military members, including the sharpshooters during the Civil War, the Polar Bears and Hello Girls during World War I and the Fly Girls and U.P. families that sacrificed during World War II.

This is also the place to learn about the Upper Peninsula Honor Flight that started in Delta County, as well as tributes to our U.P. veterans who have served in our modern-day military efforts to preserve freedom and democracy. If you lived through any of this history, when you visit this museum, it will bring on a flood of memories.

Through the generosity of the John and Melissa Besse Foundation, community businesses and people across the U.P., the U.P. Military Museum is free to all visitors. However, there is an ongoing need for donations to pay for monthly utilities and special events throughout the year. If interested in supporting the museum, please make your checks out to the U.P. State Fair Authority with a memo for the U.P. Military Museum and mail it to: U.P. Military Museum, 1001 N Lincoln Road, Escanaba, MI 49829.

However, perhaps the greatest thing you can do to help is to bring your family and friends to the museum and then thank those that have served and are serving today. Outside of today’s holiday hours, the museum is open to the public during normal business hours, Monday-Friday 8:30am-4pm.

To all our veterans, near and far, thank you for your service!

— — —

Sheila Krueger is associate director of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce