York County exhibit covers 20th-century wars: ‘We willingly served our country because they asked us to’
The York County, Pa., Heritage Trust’s new exhibit “Front Porch to Front Lines: York County Goes to War” opens to the public on Tuesday, Flag Day. A trust website tells about the new offering and bears a quote that seems to sum up those fighting 20th-century wars recognized by the exhibit: “We willingly served our country because they asked us to” – Richard E. Eisensmith, Korean War veteran. A rendering of the exhibit is shown above. Also of interest: How a compelling York County, Pa., story is told – and re-told and After accident in York, World War I-era tank became exhibit in Centre County museum and Jeep prototype has York County WWII roots.
This sidebar ran with my York Sunday News column (6/12/11) about a family’s nod a community hero:
A person standing in the upstairs corridor at the York County Heritage Trust’s Historical Society Museum can enter the world of 19th or 20th century wars.
Or both worlds, one at a time.
The York County Heritage Trust’s upcoming exhibit, “Front Porch to Front Lines: York County Goes to War,” tells about those who answered the call, at home and abroad in four 20th-century wars.
The exhibit – covering World War I, World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War – opens Tuesday.
It’s in the Glatfelter gallery, to the left.
And in a facing room, to the right, the “Civil War Comes to York County” exhibit awaits visitors.
That exhibit has been open for about seven years, but it takes on a full measure of interest in 2011, the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War. (See virtual exhibit: yorkblog.com/cannonball/echoes)
Visitors face a tough decision: Which to take in first.
And what will a visitor learn in the Front Porch exhibit, according to the Heritage Trust’s exhibit website? … .
– 45,000 served from York County in World War I, World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War
– More than 900 York countians were killed in action during these four wars.
– A York County dog, Marine Corps Serial No. 124, was promoted to sergeant.
– Eight sons served in World War II from one family in Hanover.
– An air raid siren stood on top of the Yorktowne Hotel to warn citizens of approaching danger.
– A York County soldier was court-martialed and sentenced to death during Korean War.
– A York County citizen received his letter and envelope back that was sent to World War I soldier David E. Miller with “Returned to Writer – Deceased” written on it.
Also of interest:
All war posts from the start.
