LARGO, August 13, 2008 – There’s yet another celebrated beach being talked about in the St. Petersburg and Clearwater area these days: Normandy. That’s because the new Armed Forces Military Museum is opening its doors to the public Saturday, August 16, at 2050 34th Way North in Largo. At its opening will be the unveiling of the state’s largest collection of authentic military artifacts from WWI up to-day.
In addition to an extensive WWII collection, the 33,000 square foot facility houses the only known Saddam Hussein uniform in the U.S., hundreds of hand held weapons and a dozen retired tanks and other military vehicles, including an experimental 1952 M151-XM utility truck.
The facility was designed to provide an up-close look at warfare, captivating visitors with combat simulations featuring smoke, the roar of airplanes and tanks, and other audio/visual effects. Veterans and their families can loan or donate personal photographs, uniforms, journals and other memorabilia to grace the Wall of Heroes, and an onsite memorial garden is dedicated all who served in the armed forces.
The opening ceremonies will begin at 12:30 p.m. with a welcome address by WFLA’s Jack Harris and a presentation of the U.S. flag by Congressman C.W. “Bill” Young, followed by the ribbon cutting ceremony presided over by Largo Mayor Patricia Gerard. For more information visit www.armedforcesmuseum.com.
The City of Dunedin also recently honored those who have served their country. Last Thursday the city celebrated its designation as America’s first ‘Purple Heart City’ by dedicating a Purple Heart Monument, located at the corner of Main Street and Broadway in downtown. The memorial is in recognition of the honor bestowed on the city in 2006 by the national Military Order of the Purple Heart. In attendance were Dunedin Mayor Bob Hackworth, Vice Mayor Julie Ward Bujalski and City Manager Robert DiSpirito.
For more information visit www.dunedingov.com or www.floridasbeach.com.
