In Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, Luke’s Military Museum stands on the edge of a goat farm, housed in an aluminum trailer. This museum, run by 15-year-old Luke Morrison, serves as a tribute to the nation’s veterans. Luke has gathered a remarkable collection of military artifacts and war stories from conversations with numerous veterans. He often strikes up conversations with potential interview subjects in everyday settings, such as grocery stores, identifying them by telltale signs like service caps.
The museum’s exhibits include attire from various veterans: Tim Bedor’s Iraq War uniform, Vinny Matteis’s Vietnam airman jump boots, and a Marine pin from Pete Racine, a daring World War II veteran known for stunt flipping a car at the age of 92. The camper housing these items was originally bought by Luke’s great-granduncle, Dwight Cooley, a World War II veteran, whose photograph is kept on a shelf.
Luke represents perhaps the youngest generation engaged in the tradition of processing war through veterans’ memories and memorabilia. This important task is highlighted on federal holidays like Veterans Day and Memorial Day and is preserved in monuments and gravestones. Veterans’ memories play a crucial role in shaping the country’s understanding of past conflicts and should guide decisions about future military engagements.
During a recent tour, Luke shared the story of a local Vietnam veteran, Harry Swett, who donated shoulder patches and shared his military experiences with Luke at his home. These stories offer insights into the highs and lows of military service, capturing the essence of veterans’ lives.