Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum
When the Armed Forces Day weekend arrives May 15-16, active and retired servicemen will have FREE entry to a variety of events around the state. But first I must start with a salute to a military museum that’s FREE, not only to our men and women in uniform, but to every citizen. Opened in1998, Camp Gordon Johnston World War II Museum is filled with memorabilia donated by rapidly disappearing veterans, or their families, from around the country. Located in the little Panhandle town of Carrabelle, Camp Gordon Johnston was built in 1942 to train soldiers and their support groups in amphibious landings. A quarter of a million men had left their mark on the Gulf and its beach before it closed in 1946. Video, oral and written records of their personal wartime experiences add to the large collection of WWII artifacts representing each branch of the U.S.armed services. 850-697-8575; http://www.campgordonjohnston.com
Another museum that features WWII , although it includes wars through Vietnam, is the Armed Forces Military Museum, in Largo (1/8/09 blog). Opened in August, 2008, it, like the Carrabelle museum, is an effort to preserve its heritage after founder John Piazza found his granddaughter didn’t know who Hitler was. Vivid dioramas, real tanks, troop carriers, and other vehicles, a realistic attack on Pearl Harbor, a French church that has a paratrooper stuck on its spire, a D-Day landing on Utah Beach, are some of the 3-D scenes that fill the 35,000 sq. ft. building. You know the people are mannequins, yet they breathe life into a history that should never be forgotten. 727-539-8371. http://www.armedforcesmuseum.com
May 1-31 is a whole month of FREEBIES for active, retired and reserved military at the Fantasy of Flight in Polk City. A valid ID will admit you to a museum of 40 rare and vintage aircraft, many restored to flyable condition. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
863-984-3500; http://www.fantasyofflight.com .
Punta Gorda’s Military Heritage Museum is FREE for everyone and honors all branches of the Armed Forces. It’s over 30,000 artifacts and military memorabilia goes back to the Spanish-American War up to the mideast conflicts. The Museum will celebrate Armed Forces Day from 1-3 p.m., Sat. May 15. Located in Fishermen’s Village, a waterfront mall, you can also spend a day shopping, dining, even take a boat ride. 941-575-9002; http://www.mhaam.org
During the Armed Forces Day weekend, Naples Zoo welcomes active and retired military with ID for FREE. Enjoy a day with the animals, historic garden, shows, exhibits, and take a boat ride. Your family will have $2 off the regular price of $19.95 adult, $11.95 ages 3-12. 239-262-5409; http://www/napleszoo.org
Saturday, May 15: from 1-3 p.m. Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales presents special carillon concerts to celebrate Armed Forces Day. FREE to active, retired or disabled military with ID. 863-676-1408. http://www.boktowergardens.org
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