Standin’ Proud Veterans Tribute

09/03/2026

Holiday Hours -- We will be closed to the public Saturday (9/5) - Monday (9/7). If you have a group interested in a private tour on Saturday (9/5), please reach out to schedule.

09/01/2026

⚠️This is a long post, but one we felt was worth writing. ❤️🤍💙

What an incredible day it was honoring our veterans who have flown—or will be flying—on the 2026 Honor Flights out of Springfield and Marion. ✈️🇺🇸

There are far too many people to tag, and honestly, we’d be afraid of leaving someone out because so many people played a part in making this day special. From our volunteers and donors to the families, community partners, law enforcement, motorcycle groups, parade participants, businesses, and everyone who came out to cheer on our veterans—THANK YOU!

Most importantly, THANK YOU to the veterans who answered the call to serve our country. It is our privilege to honor you, share your stories, and help ensure that the sacrifices of those who served before you—and alongside you—are never forgotten.

At Standin’ Proud, we believe that honoring our veterans is more than a single day or event. It’s about remembering their service, preserving their stories, educating future generations. It's our mission to create these opportunities for our community to come together and simply say, “We remember. We appreciate you. We are proud of you. We thank you.” 🇺🇸

Your time, support, smiles, cheers, and patriotism helped us do exactly that. You helped create an experience where our veterans could feel the gratitude of an entire community and be reminded that their service and sacrifices matter.

📸 Did you capture a special moment from the day? Drop your pictures in the comments below! We’d love to see them, share them, and relive these special memories together.

This is why we do what we do.
This is what community looks like.
This is what it means to be Standin’ Proud. 🇺🇸

08/31/2026

🎯Today is the day! If you are available, please come out to come support our veterans that have been/will be on a 2026 Honor Flight. ✈️

Line the parade route ⬇️, even if you aren’t able to make the program.

🇺🇸 COME CELEBRATE OUR VETERANS! 🇺🇸

Join us Monday, August 31 for a special Veterans Celebration Day honoring those who have taken—or will be taking—an Honor Flight in 2026. ✈️ A short program begins at 11:00 AM and is open to the public.

❤️🤍💙 Then help us send them off! Veterans depart the museum around 12:45 PM, traveling through Carlyle, Beckemeyer, Breese, Aviston, and Trenton. Line the streets, wave your flags, bring your family, and cheer them on

08/28/2026

Take home a piece of a veteran’s story with:

📖 Van of Valor: A 27,000-Mile Journey Through American Sacrifice
📖 A Wingman for Miss Universe

Come see the exhibits, stay for the stories, and maybe leave with a book! ❤️🤍💙

📍 Thank you to Van of Valor -- both books are available for purchase at Standin’ Proud Veterans Tribute Museum.

Which one are you taking home? 👇

08/26/2026

His Sacrifice. His Story. His Legacy. 🇺🇸

Today, we remember and honor a local hero, SGT. Vince Rolves. A World War II veteran and POW who answered his country’s call, endured unimaginable circumstances, and carried the weight of his service throughout his life.

While we mourn Vince’s passing, we are forever grateful that he entrusted us with his story and allowed us to record it in his own words. Generations to come will have the opportunity to hear his voice, understand his sacrifice, and remember the man behind the uniform.

May he rest peacefully, knowing his service mattered, his sacrifice will never be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to live on.

Thank you for your service, SGT. Vince Rolves. We will continue to say your name, honor your sacrifice, and share your story. ❤️🤍💙

📸: Hillary Frost Photography + Beauty Bar (Opening Ceremony May 2023)

08/24/2026

🇺🇸 COME CELEBRATE OUR VETERANS! 🇺🇸

Join us Monday, August 31 for a special Veterans Celebration Day honoring those who have taken—or will be taking—an Honor Flight in 2026. ✈️ A short program begins at 11:00 AM and is open to the public.

❤️🤍💙 Then help us send them off! Veterans depart the museum around 12:45 PM, traveling through Carlyle, Beckemeyer, Breese, Aviston, and Trenton. Line the streets, wave your flags, bring your family, and cheer them on

08/21/2026

❤️🤍💙 Their stories matter. Let’s keep them going.

Drop your question in the comments! ⬇️

08/17/2026

💜🇺🇸 Honoring Stories. Celebrating Heroes. 🇺🇸💜

We had the honor of celebrating Van of Valor with the authors onsite this weekend, alongside just some of the Purple Heart Veterans whose stories are featured in the book!

Interested in purchasing? Links are below ⬇️
📖Van of Valor: A 27,000-Mile Journey Through American Sacrifice (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1971678252)

📖A Wingman for Miss Universe (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GSSBGQ5Q)

08/14/2026

⭐️Volunteer Spotlight - Our newest museum volunteer, Mike Dall!

Mike has always been fascinated by history but has a special interest in listening to local veterans' services and experiences.

"Listening to local veteran's personal experiences can preserve history while giving an opportunity to share stories that might otherwise be lost."

⤵️Drop a comment if you would be interested in learning more about our volunteer opportunities.