The American War: Laurens County in Vietnam is now on view at the Laurens County Museum, 205 W. Laurens Street in Laurens, South Carolina. Featuring the private collection of Waterloo resident Johnny Graham, it showcases artifacts from veterans living in the community. The display includes a captured North Vietnamese flag, weaponry, equipment, and a full size manikin in regulation gear. Mr. Graham served in Vietnam from 1965-1966 with the 173 Airborne Division, the first unit to be sent into the country. Also on display are items donated to the museum by Fred & Mary Davis. Mr. Davis was in the Signal Corps and was stationed in Saigon from July of 1966-1967. While there he ran into many servicemen from Laurens County as they passed through the city. His donation joins uniforms, medals, and pictures out of our permanent collection from Laurens County veterans James Bolt and Sam Davis. As with all the museum exhibits, the Laurens County Museum Association hopes to evoke memories, encourage discussion, and promote education. This display is also meant to honor those in our community who served in Southeast Asia, some of whom paid the ultimate price. The American War: Laurens County in Vietnam will be on display for a limited time.
The Laurens County Museum is open to the public every Sunday from 2-5 and by appointment. There is no admission. For more information or to schedule a tour call the Laurens County Museum at 681-0670.
