veterans memorial museum

I have traveled the Bellevue to Portland section of I-405 & I-5 for over 30 years for business and when I noticed that they had built this museum, I said one day I will stop in. That day did not come until about 2 years ago, when I put it into my daily plan. I was behind schedule, but I finally said to myself, if not now when. I pulled off the freeway with only an hour to peruse the exhibits. I did a self guided tour, but docents were nearby when I had questions. The hour quickly slipped by and I finally had to tear myself away and cut my stay at 90 minutes, which for a military history buff and U.S. Navy veteran is not nearly enough. So, now retired, my wife and I took a trip to Portland and on the way back we decided to stop so I could introduce my wife to this wonderful place. It was very late so we could only view a few exhibits before they were closing. Actually they had closed early, but the curator was still there and he let us in. We have another Portland trip already planned and a 2 hour stop here is planned. Also, you will want to save time for the gift shop.

Bill Logan was our tour guide. He did an excellent job. This museum is the best one we have seen in a long time.

HiWhat an experience from the welcome at the door by the gentleman who volunteers his time for free,to the ex county Sheriff with a great sense of humor,who also gives his time free,what a wonderful experience.Having visited many museums in Normandy I have to say it's defiantly on a par with any I visited in France.My wife and I who we're visiting Seattle thought it was well worth the trip down,and would recommend anyone interested in American history to visit this hidden Gem.

This museum takes time to go through. It is very well done and worth your time. People could buy tiles to go on the wall showing name, dates of service, field, rank, etc. If you have local loved ones who served it is a great place to hold their service in rememberance and honor them! Very WELL done!!!

We stopped in with just half an hour till closing and they let us in anyway. The employees were warm and welcoming and one was happy to stay with us and share fascinating stories about the three wars we were looking at. His stories were so good, we were all captivated, and only one if the four of us enjoys war history enthusiastically! Give yourself a couple hours at least to do it justice. Nice gift shop, too!

Coming from a military family, it's important to share military history what do younger generation so that they can understand the sacrifices that are men and women have gone through to keep us safe and free. A lot of time and effort has gone into this wonderful, little museum. Take the time to enjoy every exhibit and ask lots of questions since they're usually some veterans out front at the table and they are always willing to share their stories with you!

i loved this museum took 100 pics there. decided i wanted to lay my fathers ownings to rest here and decided they would like mamas things such as her nwca ribbon even a story i could write for him telling her story but he was clueless. for someone who thinks they know so much no nothing off who truly holds these troops together espcially in the fifties, sixties and early 70's. wrote the nwca in san diego and never received an answer toldme they were nothing like in the old days. he's missing out on a spectacular era for the troops and women who supported them and met each and every ship that came to port with nothing, something back sales, free xmas wrapping for the troops to take home gifts to there wives. this man will never know the work and dedication that went into being a navy wife back then, how in commissarys no curlers and shorts allowed - while driving thorugh the gate day or night u always dimmed ur headlights, ignnorantly missing out on the most important, love of country.

Easy access road off of I-5, lots of parking. Something for our young to see and be proud off our vets.

If you are interested in military history this is an excellent museum. It is well arranged and does a good job of interpreting the major military conflicts. They host a variety of events from gatherings for veterans of different wars to reinactments of the civil war. It is well worth the stop.

This is an excellent military museum with displays of arms and uniforms from the Civil War through Afghanistan.Being a veteran myself I found the displays to be very informative and interesting and spent over an hour viewing the displays

This is an excellent museum. It is a must see by anyone with even a mild interest in military history. When you finishe you will be well informed and have kindled a desire to know more. The museum hosts many fine events designed for veterans of recent wars. It is an opportunity to connect with those of similar experience. It also hosts each sure re-enactments. The most resent was Gettysburg. It was outstanding. Check out their website for more info.

We have been here twice now and both times we have found it to be very good. The displays are always changing. I thank all the veterans who served our great country.

A local gem that has so much military history...it should not be missed. Almost always you will find veterans enjoying a cup of coffe that are willing to tell you their stories. We should never forget our military veterans for they have sacrificed so much for our freedom in the U.S. Ranks up there with museums in DC!

Its grown from a storedront to a buildiung all its own. Their exhibitsof militaria from WWII, Korea, Viet Nam and more recent conficts are well worth s stop.

We were early to take the dinner train in Chehalis so we walked over to the Veterans Memorial Museum which is about 200 yards away from the train station. Boy, were we surprised. It was great. We have been to a lot of museums around the country and this one ranks right up there with some of the best. Very extensive collection of weapons, uniforms, and other related items with some fascinating stories that gave a very real and personal touch for the items. Also, the staff was great and the tour was super. This is a “must” stop for anyone in the area and well worth the time to learn more of this nation’s history.