Miracle in the Northland

This is a story about a group of men who grew up together in Michigan's beautiful Upper Peninsula. As boys in the nineteenfifties, they fished, swam, and played sandlot baseball in their hometown of Hermansville. They went to school and grew to be strong, healthy, and care-free young men by the mid sixties. Their lives were suddenly changed then, as America's leaders committed military forces to Southeast Asia. When their country called, these young men answered, leaving their homes and loved ones to serve in Vietnam. While fighting there, some were wounded by enemy bullets and shrapnel; all were wounded in spirit, and one of their gang, Tommy, was killed.

They were changed men when they returned home. There were no parades or colorful ceremonies for these veterans; America seemed at best, indifferent, to their faithful service and sacrifice. Shunned by other veterans groups, they formed their own chapter of the Vietnam Veterans Association. Inspired by the Vietnam Memorial Wall, this small group of men began to think of what they could do to make future generations of Americans aware of what had happened in Vietnam. They hoped to find a way to honor their friend, Tommy and to provide a place of remembrance and healing for all veterans. They decided to build a museum.

Once the decision was made, the Chapter moved quickly. Land was donated, local businesses were asked to assist in providing building materials, and soon, a building was constructed. Veterans from the surrounding area heard about the project and became involved and Chapter 571 grew. Artifacts, long locked away in basements and attics were brought out to be displayed; students from the local school spent many hours helping to inventory and catalogue hundreds of items. A sound system, TV, and VCR were donated so that music could be played and tapes viewed in the small museum theater; a souvenir shop was prepared and stocked with items for sale.

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On Memorial Day, 2002, the Thomas St. Onge Museum and Park, sponsored by Chapter 571 of the Vietnam Veterans of America was opened to the public. The flags flew, speeches were given, and the music played. The color guard had streaks of gray in their hair, they shed tears, they exchanged hugs, these Vietnam Veterans had finally come home.