On Saturday evening the Brown County Museum of History hosted the “Victory at Last Gala” at the Brownwood Event Center.  The gala celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Allies victory in World War II, with special recognition of Camp Bowie in Brown County, and numerous World War II veterans from the Central Texas area.  Many people in attendance dressed in 1940’s-style outfits and WW-II military apparel.

The gala began with a wonderful dinner featuring “slow braised eye of round” provided by Sodexo Catering.  Remarks on the importance of the “Victory at Last” were provided by the Honorary Chairs of the Event, Air Force General (Ret.) Dan Locker and Cynthia Locker.  The crowd was then entertained by a recreation of a 1945 radio show featuring radio announcer Clive Fisk, portrayed by Matthew McNiece, and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, portrayed by Jonathan Harvey.  In this show, Churchill explained the importance of the United States contribution to the Allied victory, with special recognition given to Camp Bowie and its 36th Division.

During this “radio show,” 1940’s music was provided by the Howard Payne University Jazz Ensemble, performing as a 1940’s band known as Johnny Romance & the Moonlight Serenaders.  After the radio show, numerous items were sold in a live auction conducted by Rex Tackett.  Then more music from the band for dancing by the crowd.

Welcoming the crowd at the door, and Posting of the Colors was performed by members of Scout Troop 22.

Co-Chairs of the successful event were Gayle McNeill and Jane Rodgers.  Museum Vice-President Beverly Blake Norris explained the inspiration for the event:  “Patriotism is a major focus at the Museum.  We have a large World War II Camp Bowie exhibit.  Also two years ago we were designated a Purple Heart Museum — we are the first public museum in the state of Texas to be so honored.  So we do have that as a basis.  Knowing that this is the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, we really wanted to share that.  We believe that all the service and sacrifice of that generation should not be lost.  We feel like that is a mission of the Museum, to keep that up.”

The event also served as a successful fund raiser, with more than 300 persons in attendance.  Norris explained that the money raised will be used “mostly for children’s programming.  Seventy per cent of the programs at the Museum are geared for children and families.  As generations come up, they need to know about their history and patriotism. So the funds raised tonight will go for children’s programming.”  The program of the event contained the slogan “Today’s Learners are Tomorrow’s Leaders.”

If interested in becoming more involved with such projects at the Brown County Museum of History, including event sponsorships, community sponsorships, exhibit naming opportunities, family memberships, or volunteering, contact Museum Director Kyndall Howard at 325-217-2270 or by email:  [email protected].