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Operation Celebration 1940s to honor WWII veterans years ago

Peabody Main Street Association will host "Operation Celebration: 1940s" on Memorial Day weekend in downtown Peabody. The ceremony honoring Marion County veterans of World War II and their families is shaping up to be a spectacular event. Its will be a two-day celebration you won't want to miss.

Organizers plan to highlight some of the scheduled displays and events scheduled in county newspapers during the next two months. This week readers will be introduced to the "Vault of Treasures."

The "Vault of Treasures" will be a display of Marion County WWII memorabilia. Scrapbooks, photos, uniforms, medals, letters, and souvenirs as well as memorabilia from the home front (cookbooks, propaganda posters, ration books, pamphlets about Victory gardens, farming, or conserving for the war effort) are needed. If you or a family member have a unique war or home front souvenir or a special story to tell, we'd like to include it.

We will not be including weapons, but we are interested in any other memorabilia.

Dust off the scrapbook or search the trunks in the attic to retrieve WWII memorabilia because it's time to share it for Operation Celebration.

Also needed for exhibits are pictures of downtown Peabody during the 1940s.

If you are interested in contributing for the displays, please contact Myrna Wood at 620-983-2451 or Shane Marler at 620-381-3499, (e-mail pmsa@peabodyks.com).

Anything loaned needs to have a sticker or tag clearly marking the owner and a phone number for easy return after the event.

In addition, any pertinent information including name of original owner, branch of service, rank, and theater of operation should accompany the item in written form.

Beginning May 1, we'll begin accepting exhibit items at the Peabody Main Street Association office in Peabody City building.

Anyone interested in volunteering for "Operation Celebration: 1940s" or making a financial contribution, should contact Marler at the Main Street Office. Donations of time and money are needed and will be greatly appreciated.

See the celebration web site at www.peabodymainstreet.com to view details regarding scheduled events. Check the site often to see what has been added or how you can help.

Most importantly, mark your calendars and plan to Peabody Main Street Association Memorial Day weekend for an exciting countywide celebration of our common heritage!

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