After passing through the museum, one truly appreciates the 82d's place on the cutting edge of America's strategic response. Four times a day, the museum's small theater brings the past to life with film footage, audio clips, and a dramatic narrative. Although the museum is federally funded, about 50 percent of its budget comes from private grants, donations, and the museum gift shop. The museum frequently hosts get-togethers and special observances for veterans, the 82d Airborne Association, and the division's historical society. It's the week before Memorial Day.
Old timers come back to visit their units and meet the new guys.
A veterans group from Charlotte, N.C., coordinates living history displays of antique military vehicles and soldiers in old uniforms and equipment. The week culminates with a division review led by combat veterans and a wreath laying ceremony at the 82d Airborne Division War Memorial. During the ceremony, the names and dates of every campaign are announced, while soldiers step forward to lay wreaths at the memorial. Whenever possible, campaign veterans in their old uniforms lay wreaths in memory of fallen comrades. Other wreaths are laid by soldiers and non-commissioned officers of the year.