Gwinnett Veterans Museum houses historical treasures - DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG

Veterans Day is a time to both reflect and honor our nations' armed service members for their sacrifices. And just a short drive away in Gwinnett County, there's a place where you can get a guided tour through history.

Nestled inside Gwinnett County's historic courthouse, you'll find treasures in the Veterans Memorial Museum that have made several visitors' jaws drop over the past eight years.

"I am so glad to see that expression because this is the best kept secret in Gwinnett County," Museum Director and volunteer Paul Pickard. "You can see everything from the Revolutionary War to the uniforms they're wearing Afghanistan."

The exhibit stretches four rooms. Each room displays artifacts from different conflicts and wars. In the World War 2 room you can find the uniform of Gwinnett County veteran Clyde Wilson.

"This gentleman came from here and went to Panama to boot camp, which is kind of weird. But he was General Andrews' personal driver, which Andrews Air Force Base is named after," said volunteer David Berndt.

All the volunteers are veterans themselves who revel in relaying their experiences.

"He was on the USS Missouri when the Japanese surrendered. He loves being here when there are groups here, when there are children here, He'll talk to them and tell them the stories. He's history walking," said Pickard.

All of the articles in the museum are donated by veterans or their families. But it's the volunteer veterans who paint the picture who make the exhibits come to life. They consider it their call of duty.

"To tell our stories, the stories of the people who made the sacrifices to give us the opportunity to stand here today," said Pickard.

Admission to Gwinnett County's Veterans Memorial Museum is free of charge. For more information, click here.