Veterans Memorial Museum, Home to the Legion of Valor Museum

11/11/2022

In honor of all those who do or have served in the military, we have one very special day. This honorary day has been called by several different names Decoration Day, Armistice Day and, finally, Veterans Day.

Decoration Day came about after the Civil War and was changed to Armistice Day after World War 1--you remember, the "war that would end all wars". There was a date set for this war to end. As the date got closer, the people who were working on the surrender terms were inspired. They set the time of the "Armistice" as the 11th second of the 11th minute of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

Of course, since 1918, we are very sorry to say, there have been more wars. After World War II, the Korea "conflict" and at the urging of Veteran service organizations, the Act of 1938 was amended. "Armistice Day" officially became Veterans Day on June 1, 1954. On October 8th of the same year, President Dwight Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day Proclamation. After a few "hiccups" and confusing dates, November 11th was finally set in 1978 as the official Veterans Day by President Gerald Ford..

If you would like to learn about all of the wars this country has been involved with, the Veterans Memorial Museum, home to the Legion of Valor Museum is the place to visit. The Veterans who are in charge of the museum are very knowledgeable and love to answer your questions. It's a perfect place to take the whole family after watching the Central Valley Veterans Day parade in downtown Fresno.

Please remember, Freedom is not free and thank a Veteran every chance you get.

Thank you Veterans and thank you Google for the information for this post.

03/29/2022

11/17/2021

Fun things happening for a very special Veteran. The Legion of Valor Museum was the place to be when they celebrated one of their volunteer staff members for his 100th trip around the sun. Bill Biggers, a Veteran of WWII, served in the US Army and later joined the Fresno Police Department. The big surprise of the day for Bill was when Valerie Salcedo popped out of the cake and sang Happy Birthday to him. Thank you Bill for your service both as an Army Veteran and a member of the Fresno Police Department. Wishing you many more trips around the sun.

11/17/2021

The Legion of Valor Museum is staffed by volunteers who set up displays, guide museum guests and answer questions. The museum houses thousands of items donated by Legion of Valor members as well as other military personnel or their families. Framed citations, photographs, and exhibits tell the story of America's wars as seen by individual soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen.

The Museum is supported, in part, by the city of Fresno but they depend on donations in order to "keep the lights on". Donations can be made to the Veterans Memorial Museum, Home of the Legion of Valor Museum, 2425 Fresno Street, Fresno CA. 93721.
Your donations are greatly appreciated.

11/12/2021

Welcome to the Legion of Valor Museum page. This is where you will find information on the one of a kind Legion of Valor Museum located in downtown Fresno, California, inside the beautiful Veterans Memorial building.

The Legion of Valor was first organized on April 23, 1890, in Washington, DC, by a group of Civil War and Indian War Campaign veterans who were recipients of the Medal of Honor. At its inception, the name was The Medal of Honor Legion.

Over the years, recipients of the Medal of Honor, Army Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Medal of Honor and the Air Force Cross were added and make up the membership. The Legion of Valor of the United States of America, Inc was officially named on June 21, 1961.

The Medal of Honor is awarded for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty. The three Crosses are awarded for extraordinary heroism. Many of these two highest decorations are awarded posthumously.