By Robert Dent
For the News-Gazette

Military campaigns are as old as the history of the world.

In the United States, campaigns started with our revolution for independence and continued with the many military campaigns that have been conducted to protect the freedoms we hold dear every day.

But the newest campaign is not so much about protecting our freedoms as ensuring that an institution in Osceola County, the Museum of Military History, a nonprofit organization, will continue to educate its children, residents and visitors about the military experience and the true cost of freedom. This year’s capital campaign, Bringing Honor Home: Campaign 2013, is asking for support from the community to continue its operations.

In March of last year, the Museum of Military History opened its doors to the public creating a one-of-a-kind educational institution. Residents and visitors alike have visited the museum. School groups. Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) and the local Sea Cadets and Civil Air Patrol Cadets have experienced the museum. They have participated in tours but also in honor guards and presenting the colors at many events.

This institution may, however, be one of the county’s best kept secrets. Many visitors to Osceola County have discovered the museum. Yet neighbors, many of the people that helped to open the doors and the people who served in armed forces, have yet to discover the museum’s displays and exhibits. Covering conflicts and wars from the U.S. Civil War to the present day presence in Afghanistan and Iraq, the museum is a living laboratory for better understanding our country’s history.

“The Museum of Military History is launching its first capital campaign and we need the community’s help to make it a success,” said Don Smith, CEO/chairman of the museum. “We believe this institution is critical to our community, a living classroom for our students, a draw for visitors to our community and as importantly a place to honor our veterans.”

While providing a historical and educational perspective about our military history, the museum also provides a haven for veterans to share their experiences, remember fallen comrades, enjoy fellowship, and in some cases, heal wounds that have been below the surface for too many years.

“Can you help in Bringing Honor Home to Osceola County by keeping this institution’s doors open and honoring our veterans at the same time?” Smith asked. “We’re fulfilling our promise to educate the world about the military experience, we just ask for your support in making it happen.”

For more information on the Museum of Military History and Bringing Honor Home: Campaign 2013, visit the website at www.museumofmilitaryhistory.com or call 407-507-3894.