Chennault Aviation & Military Museum Presents Freedom Trees

Honor and respect were the two words that rang in my head during my visit to the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum in Monroe. The Freedom Trees ceremony was held on Veterans Day weekend. On display were five Freedom Trees, one for each active-duty branch of the armed forces. Freedom Trees are Christmas trees that have been decorated with red, white, and blue décor. The trees are also dressed with the ribbons, patches, medals and photos of United States military veterans. Attending the ceremony were members of the community, veterans and the loved ones of fallen military personnel.

The Chennault Aviation & Military Museum opened in 2000. The building is one of the last remaining buildings used by the Selman Field School in 1986. The museum holds the rich aviation and military history of Northeast Louisiana and features exhibits on all wars from World War I through Iraq and Afghanistan. Inside the museum, you will find nine exhibits that provide information on D-Day, Flying Tigers, Selman Field Navigational School, NASA, and more.

The Freedom Trees will be on display until Dec. 31. The Chennault Aviation & Military Museum is open, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Tuesday – Saturday. It is located at 701 Kansas Lane in Monroe. Admission is free for all, and the building is handicap accessible and offers wheelchairs at no cost. For more information, visit the website.