By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
Plans are underway to honor Yukon military veterans from all armed forces at a special 10th annual celebration this fall.
The Yukon Veterans Museum will present its 2023 anniversary gala from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19 at the Dale Robertson Center, 1200 Lakeshore.
This marks the 10th year for the gala, which celebrates Yukon’s veterans and raises funds for the museum.
The Oct. 19th festivities will include featured guest speaker Lt. Col. Jonathan P. McDonald, awards ceremony, silent auction, raffles, catered dinner, and live entertainment by the Oklahoma City Chorus.
The Choctaw Indian Nation Tribe Color Guard will present the colors and the OKC Chorus will sign the National Anthem.
“All proceeds are used to support the future endeavors of the history keeping, education and experiences of our volunteers and their families,” said Rick Cacini, founder and curator of the Yukon Veterans Museum.
Cacini, a retired U.S. Army and Air Force lieutenant colonel, said “proud supporters” are needed for this fall’s gala. Sponsorship levels are red ($1,000), white ($500) and blue ($100).
Sponsors are “helping us to honor our armed forces – not only on this special occasion – but each day we open the museum doors and share the history of the sacrifices made for our freedoms,” Cacini added.
He encouraged businesses across the city, county and state to invest in the museum’s future “so that generations to come are able to hear firsthand from our local veterans.”
The Yukon Veterans Museum, 1010 W Main, features historic displays and military artifacts from all U.S. service branches – Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Merchant Marines, National Guard, Navy, and Space Force.
Regular hours at the Yukon Veterans Museum are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Tours are available by appointment outside those hours.
The Yukon Veterans Museum started in July 2013 on the second floor of the Yukon Museum & Arts Center (Old Central School) building.
In 2016, the museum moved to the American Legion Post 160 building – a shared space it has nearly outgrown.
Positioned on historic Route 66 along Yukon’s Main Street, the Yukon Veterans Museum welcomes visiting tourists from around the world.
Tickets to the Yukon Veterans Museum’s 10th Anniversary Gala are $30 for adults and $15 for children 12 years and under.
Raffle and silent auction also are needed.
All donations to the museum are tax-deductible. Sponsorship submissions are due Oct. 2.
For more information on the museum and gala, call (405) 517-1901 or (405) 265-2565 or email YVMF42@hotmail.com.
DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER
Diners can support the Yukon Veterans Museum by having dinner at a popular Yukon restaurant.
The dine-out fundraiser will be 4 p.m. to close Tuesday, Aug. 15 at Louie’s Grill & Bar, 1600 S Garth Brooks Blvd.
Louie’s will donate of portion of proceeds to the Yukon Veterans Museum when diners mention the museum as they place their order.
