Gathering place for shipmates of the USS Nicholas...

Three destroyers are named after

Samuel Nicholas,

first Commandant of the Marine Corps.

DD-449 served during WWII, the Korean War and Vietnam. The re-erection of DD-449's mast in Chehalis, WA and the ship's bell at Marine Barracks Washington DC are all that remain of this Fletcher destroyer.

100 SW Veterans Way

Chehalis, WA 98532

360-740-8875

[email protected]

The Veterans Memorial Museum's mission is:

"THEY SHALL NOT BE FORGOTTEN."

Our 22,000 square foot facility is filled with displays of honor, courage, sacrifice and commitment by veterans of our great nation.

The museum features a 9,000 square foot main gallery with 85 display cases and hundreds of displays honoring veterans. A military history reference library is available with thousands of volumes. There is also a gift shop and a "USO" where you can come and enjoy a cup of coffee and conversation with local veterans. A spacious 3,000 square foot Events Center for hosting reunions, conferences, seminars and receptions is part of the complex.

Helping to make this mast from the past possible...

Museum volunteers, Greg Lassila,

Chip Duncun, Executive Director

Pat Swanson, Board President

John Bailey is committed to honoring the Nicholas he served on (as gunnery officer and DASH controller) by overseeing the re-erection of the USS Nicholas (DD-449) mast and detailing events of her service along side the USS O'Bannon (DD-450) in

Sisters in War, Sisters in Peace.

Wife Roberta is pleased to be associated with this worthy project and salutes all who have served.

Touring the country in their Airstream Flying Cloud has provided the opportunity to interview veterans interested in sharing personal

Nick and Lucky 'O' memories.