Muskego VFW Displays War, Military Memorabilia on Day of Infamy

Wednesday December 7, 2011 was gray and cold, a day far different from the sun soaked one 70 years ago in Hawaii, when the U.S. Military base there was attacked by Japan, but it was still an opportunity to remember.  With military collections from VFW members on display, the entry into World War II was brought into tangible detail, along with artifacts from World War I, Korea and Viet Nam.

The inaugural event at will likely be repeated, according to organizers, and for history buffs, or students looking to see it up close, it was an impressive collection.

From the basic fatigues worn throughout the years, to the downright obscure and rare items that gave onlookers pause, veterans were on hand to explain items, and how they were obtained.

"Much of what I have, was given to me when I was younger," said Jim Brinks, who said he has been a collector since he was seven. "A lot of these guys just didn't want the stuff any more - or their wives told them to get rid of it - so I took them."

Brinks said he had only a small portion of his collection, which dates back to the civil war and comes from past family members.