April 15, 2014
Service Credit Union and the American Independence Museum will proudly present “Timeless Treasures” featuring military and historical artifacts on display May 18th through May 29th. The event was announced at Wednesday’s press conference held at the Service Credit Union Corporate Offices in Portsmouth. Historical and military artifacts from the esteemed collection of the Exeter museum will be on exhibit, and the 12-day event is open to the public and free of charge at the credit union’s museum at 3003 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, N.H. The event is held in conjunction with Veterans Count.
A Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence, an original Purple Heart awarded by George Washington, two original drafts of the U.S. Constitution, a Congressional Medal of Honor awarded by Franklin D. Roosevelt to Harl Pease, namesake of the Pease Air Force Base, and a Purple Heart awarded to area resident and Vietnam Veteran William Schuler will all be on display. This is the first time that these historical documents and prestigious military awards will be together in Portsmouth for free public viewing. “We are privileged and honored to host these rare pieces of American history at our Corporate Offices,” says Gordon Simmons, President/CEO of Service Credit Union. “It celebrates our founding fathers, our military and all of those who served to make our great country.”
“Due to climate control concerns, we are not in a position to display these items on a consistent basis, so we are very pleased to loan these historically significant artifacts to illuminate the struggles of those who continue to fight so we can maintain our freedom today,” said Julie Williams, Executive Director of the American Independence Museum. Colonel (Ret.) Rick Greenwood, Board Member of the Seacoast Chapter of Veterans Count and one of the original founders of the organization, said, “We are thrilled with this collaboration between our organization, Service Credit Union and the American Independence Museum. Service Credit Union has been a wonderful partner to us as we seek to gain awareness and exposure for the good work this program provides to our military families. And, this exhibit is a very special opportunity to honor those who have served, and those who continue to serve, the United States of America.” Schuler, former President and CEO of Portsmouth Regional Hospital, proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and is a decorated hero receiving the Bronze Star with Combat (V) and a Purple Heart.
Public exhibition hours are 12:00 p.m. until 5 p.m. daily May 18th through May 29th which are free and open to the public. For group reservations, please call 603.422.8316 to set up a time. For more information about the 12-day event, please visit www.servicecu.org/history.
Service Credit Union is a full service financial institution with more than 184,000 members worldwide, offering a wide range of financial products to its members. With 42 branch locations including two staffed 24/7 contact centers, and full internet banking services, Service Credit Union serves anyone who lives or works in New Hampshire (excluding Coos County), 4 towns in Cape Cod, MA., and all branches of the U.S. Military and Department of Defense employees and their families. With over $2.4 billion in assets, Service Credit Union has 25 branches in New Hampshire, one in Massachusetts, and 16 branches on U.S. military bases in Germany.
