Joint Base Lewis-McChord occupies a hallowed place in U.S. navy historical past. From World Battle I to the current, JBLM forces have been the “tip of the spear” in our nation’s protection. Except immediate motion is taken, nevertheless, the power to inform JBLM’s story, and the story of the women and men who served there, is threatened by a shortsighted cost-cutting effort.
The U.S. Military just lately introduced plans to shut or consolidate 29 navy museums throughout the nation — including the Lewis Army Museum at JBLM, in state Rep. Mari Leavitt’s 28th Legislative District. That is deeply troubling. Washington is residence to one of many largest navy installations within the nation and a proud legacy of Military service that spans generations. The potential closure of our state’s solely licensed U.S. Military museum threatens to sever an important connection to that dwelling historical past.
As reported in current media protection, native veterans, volunteers and advocates have responded with shock and dismay. Megan Nishikawa, a volunteer and former fellow on the museum, stated it greatest: “Our museum could be very particular. It tells the story of Washington Military items and Washington troopers. The issues we’ve got are treasures.”
These sentiments have been echoed when Leavitt, a Democrat, raised the difficulty at a current assembly of the Joint Committee on Veterans’ and Army Affairs: “We now have a gem within the Lewis Museum. It’s been round for 50 years, serving the general public nobly — and I’m involved concerning the closure.”
As representatives from each side of the aisle, we stand united. This isn’t a partisan problem; it’s about honoring the tales of those that’ve served and sustaining public entry to our shared navy historical past. State Rep. Hunter Abell, a Republican who has lengthy championed navy heritage in Japanese Washington, understands the stakes. When establishments like this shut, priceless artifacts usually vanish from public view — boxed up and hidden away, with little likelihood of returning to neighborhood view.
The Military cites staffing shortages and a upkeep backlog as causes for the closures, claiming consolidation will enhance entry and high quality. We perceive the rationale. In our opinion, nevertheless, eradicating entry from communities like ours does the other. The Lewis Military Museum is greater than a static exhibit; it’s a dwelling useful resource: a classroom for college students and civic teams, a coaching floor for troopers and a fastidiously curated residence for private gadgets, paperwork and tales from Washington veterans.
The museum’s annual price range is modest. Its worth, nevertheless, is immeasurable. It fosters pleasure, educates future generations, helps recruit future troopers and airmen, and retains alive the legacy of service members who known as Washington residence. The Military usually speaks of the ability of historical past to encourage those that serve. That inspiration begins right here, with entry to the tales and artifacts that make up our shared previous.
Furthermore, the museum is an important device for recruiting America’s future conflict fighters. Lately, the U.S. navy has struggled to fulfill its recruiting targets. As we glance to encourage and put together the following technology of service members, sharing our navy historical past is extra vital than ever. When a future MacArthur or Patton visits the museum, they need to not discover a “closed” signal on the door.
We’re reassured by Col. Kent Park, JBLM’s outgoing garrison commander, that the historic constructing might stay in use. However that assurance prompts vital questions: Will the constructing proceed to accommodate the museum? What is going to occur to the reveals and uncommon artifacts? Will they be preserved domestically, or saved in distant services the place the general public can not see them?
These questions benefit solutions. To those that reply them, we name for transparency, collaboration and a long-term perspective. Earlier than any ultimate choices are made, the Division of the Military ought to interact with state and native leaders, veterans organizations and neighborhood members. We urge the Military to share extra details about the timeline, preservation plans, staffing transitions and alternatives for native partnerships that might help continued operations.
We respectfully urge the Division of the Military to pause its determination and contemplate native options that may hold this very important establishment open.
