It was a proud day for the people of Mohnton in Berks County.
"If you're talking about a military museum that's going to have a great deal of history, and it should be a building that has history itself," said Brig. Gen. Anthony Carelli of the Pennsylvania National Guard.
That's certainly the case at the Berks Military History Museum, which is located in a 1870s wagon-making factory on East Wyomissing Avenue.
"The man who built the building actually riffled gun barrels back in the 1860s, so it all kind of ties with the defense of our country," said Paul Beavens.
A large crowd of people and several dozen veterans gathered Saturday morning for the dedication of the museum, which features a collection of weapons, uniforms, and memorabilia from the Spanish American War to the Vietnam War.
"The pieces, the artifacts that are in there, the uniforms that are in there, these are all worn by and operated by the equipment in the weapons for operated by our veterans. The very people that are here are part of that history," added Carelli.
Peyton Eidle performed at the dedication. She wore World War II-period clothing and said she truly felt honored to stand with so many brave men and women.
"I think today is so important because, especially for my generation to have this opportunity to come here and appreciate all the service that has been given to our country and sacrifices made. To be involved in this opening, I think it'll be something I always remember and know that I was here to be at the start of it all," Eidle said.