For Charles Machon, director of the Missouri Military Museum, one of the most rewarding aspects of his job is seeing the reaction of Vietnamese veterans who visit the museum.

When they visit, they often see that people care about what happened during the war and, more importantly, those who served there.

“We have many Vietnam veterans who come here and they are so grateful to see things from their time that have been cared for here in the museum and displayed,” Machon said. “And (for them) to see young people … who weren’t even born then and they want to know more.”

The war was a controversial part of United States history, and Vietnam veterans were not treated well by the public when they returned home. So they appreciate what the museum has done to tell their story, Machon said.

This past weekend, the museum continued its role of teaching military history during its annual Military History Appreciation Weekend. The museum is located east of Jefferson City at the Ike Skelton training site.

The museum serves to increase history teaching for schoolchildren, Machon said. Many schools, he said, don’t have time to teach more than the basics of history. The museum helps bring history to life by giving them a glimpse of what it was through exhibits and photographs.

Many visitors brought children or grandchildren with them on Sunday.

“It’s nice to come here and see all the screens installed,” said David Isgrig. “It’s nice to come here and see all the planes too. This one is actually open, so you can come in and have a look.

He came with Kassi House and three children. The Mexican resident is a member of the Audrain County Historical Society. He spent time teaching the children some of the airplanes displayed outside.

Some of their favorite displays were a vehicle that operated on land and water, and German vehicles from World War II.

Steve and Kathy Fields brought their grandson, Collin Frederick, 10, who was invited to the event by his father, who worked at the Ike Skelton training site. Collin has been to the museum before and couldn’t wait to come back on Sunday.

The larger outdoor exhibits, which included airplanes and vehicles, particularly impressed Kathy Fields.

“We’re pretty impressed with everything the military is doing for us,” she said, adding that the public needed their support.

Entrance to the museum is free and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Schools or other groups planning to attend are encouraged to call the museum at 573-638-9603.