Museum Honoring Veterans Coming August 9 to Auburn Campus

The Cayuga County Vietnam Veterans Chapter 704 is partnering with Cayuga Community College and the Cayuga County Community College Foundation to bring a premier veterans memorial to Auburn.

As part of a national tour, the Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit will be displayed at Cayuga’s Auburn Campus on Monday, August 9. The exhibit is free and open to the public from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The unique, 1,500-square-foot mobile museum is designed both as an informative review of the service of veterans and an appreciation of their sacrifice.

“The goal of the Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit is to bring community together and teach patriotism while remembering the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes,” said Karen Worcester, Executive Director for Wreaths Across America.

“Cayuga Community College is committed to supporting all veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. This is a unique exhibit that provides an opportunity to appreciate and applaud their service and sacrifice,” said Cayuga President Dr. Brian Durant. “We’re proud to partner with the Cayuga County Vietnam Veterans Chapter 704 and our College Foundation to bring this important exhibit to our Auburn Campus.”

“The Cayuga County Community College Foundation is excited to partner in this effort to bring the Wreath Across America Mobile Museum to our Auburn Campus for our students, the Cayuga Community College community and our local families to be able to see this wonderful tribute to those who sacrificed so much,” said Guy Thomas Cosentino, the Foundation’s Executive Director.

The museum features interactive exhibits, short films and shared stories, and unites community members, veterans, active-duty service members and their families in recognition of the contributions of veterans. Family-oriented activities will also be present for visitors.

Wreaths Across America representatives will be available for tours and questions, and Vietnam veterans will be honored in a pinning ceremony at 6 p.m. Tours are free and open to the public. COVID-19 safety procedures, including social distancing and hand sanitization, remain in effect.

Visitors can create a Veterans Wreath, which honors veterans for their longevity, endurance, and sacrifice. Wreaths can also be purchased by contacting Dr. Linda Townsend at cayugacounty704@gmail.com or Cayuga Professor Theresa Misiaszek at misiaszek@cayuga-cc.edu.

Checks for wreath purchases can be mailed directly to Cayuga County Vietnam Veterans 704, PO Box 1484, Auburn, New York 13021. Wreaths are $15, and must be preordered by July 27. Wreaths will be available for pick-up on August 9.

Visitors can also order holiday wreaths for the annual Cayuga County Wreaths Across America event, scheduled for December 18 at St. Peter and St. John’s Church on Genesee Street in Auburn.

For more information about the exhibit, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/mee.