This past Memorial Day Weekend, the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley opened its doors to a diverse crowd of over 1,500 visitors.  The museum, which announced special Memorial Day promotions in mid-May, dedicated the weekend opening to Veterans of the Armed Services and handed out over 500 free American Flags to attendees of the weekend salute.  Many rare and historic American military machines were featured throughout the weekend, with demonstrations and exhibitions of motorcycles used by American troops dating all the way back to 1917.

On Thursday, the museum offered free admission to all Haywood County residents and was met with great enthusiasm from local citizens.  In total, over 150 county residents visited the museum over the weekend, many for the first time, announcing they had no idea such a gem was in their own area.  "It was a pleasure to host so many visitors from right here in our own county," said museum curator Dale Walksler.  "With the fast pace of life these days, we often overlook many of the great things going on in our own back yard." 

For those who were unable to visit over Memorial Day, the museum will be offering free admission to Haywood County residents every Thursday throughout the spring, summer, and fall.

As part of the Memorial Day festivities, the museum also paid tribute to veterans and active- and retired- service members by offering both free admission and an honorary 2-year museum membership to those who have served our country.  From early Thursday through Monday evening, the museum hosted almost 300 veterans and extended over 290 honorary museum memberships. 

"This weekend was about all those who have served our country," said Walksler.  "We were honored to open our doors to those who have fought, and continue to fight for American freedom and extend our deepest gratitude for the sacrifices they've made.  It is a privilege to have them in our member ranks."

Saturday afternoon, the Palm Tree Santas Drill Team, a unique organization of American Veteran Santa Clauses from around the southeast, held an inspiring ceremony during the museum's Memorial Day Flag Raising.  A crowd of two hundred gathered for the ceremony as a special rendition of "The Pledge of Allegiance" was given as a tribute to those who have given their lives for our country.

Museum staff were humbled by the great turnout and reception during the Flag Raising.  "Our visitors were excited to be a part of the ceremony, and an air of humility and patriotism was felt throughout the museum for the rest of the weekend," said museum store manager, Knealie True.

Wheels Through Time's next Veteran's Salute will be July 4th weekend, during the museum's 8th Anniversary Celebration.  All active- and retired service members will receive free admission to the museum for the entire weekend and a 2-year honorary museum membership.

For more information about Wheels Through Time or their upcoming July 4th Veteran's Salute, visit their website, located at www.WheelsThroughTime.com or call (8280 926-6266.