With just the right amount of respect, the new Adams Armed Forces Museum was dedicated Sunday afternoon, during the 2008 Dairy Days celebration.

Inside, the talented Forte Milers provided patriotic music.

Outside, the skies rumbled with occasional thunder, suggesting “bombs bursting in air.”

The keynote speaker for the dedication ceremonies was Donald Hayden, national vice commander from Minnesota for the American Legion

Hayden, a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, said, “It’s a great honor for me to be here today.”

Before praising the project, Hayden told how the American Legion helps its members: America’s veterans.

One example was an account of how Mitchell County, Iowa veterans came to the aid of a “wounded warrior from Osage, Iowa,” of the Iraqi war.

“When the veteran’s mother went to Germany to be with her son, she lost her job,” Hayden said.

The wounded soldier was transferred to Walter Reed Medical Center stateside and then to the Veterans Administration hospital in Minneapolis. “By that time, his father lost his job also,” Hayden said.

When the soldier was discharged from the VA hospital to be sent home to Osage, Iowa, the family’s home burned to the ground back home.

“While they were in Minneapolis, the VA and the American Legion took care of them with temporary funding, Hayden said.

“When they came home to Osage, Iowa, the folks in Osage found them temporary housing and then the American Legion department in Iowa took over,” Hayden said.

“Is that who we are? Is that what the American Legion is all about?” Hayden asked rhetorically.

“Make no mistake about this: It takes real courage to put the uniform on,” he continued. “Especially in time of war when it may become a warrior’s shroud.”

Veterans like the ones honored by the Adams Armed Forces Museum.

Special guests were state Sen. Dan Sparks and state Rep. Jeanne Poppe, both Austin DFLers.

Sparks read a proclamation from the Minnesota Legislature to commemorate the day’s dedication.

Since last Thanksgiving, members of the post have volunteered their services to convert an empty storefront into a museum.

The polished hardwood floors, mannequins dressed in military uniforms, flags, weapons, medals, maps, military equipment and other artifacts of the U.S. Armed Forces are there for all to see.

According to Irvin, the post wants to undertake an educational program for children and teenagers at some later date.

The next most immediate need for the museum’s operation is to recruit volunteers to greet visitors on the days it is open to the public.

“The men and women of this town, Adams, Minnesota and every other American community with veterans serving in the wars today and all the wars past fought to make a sacrifice,” Hayden said. “For that, this museum exists today.

“Let this museum remind of the sacrifices made for our freedoms,” he said.