Siouxland Freedom Park opens Interpretive Center

SOUTH SIOUX CITY -- There have been some NCN stories in the past couple of months about South Sioux City growing. Now, just in time for Veteran's Day, the city is seeing a museum open.

"Ten years ago here there was nothing, this was a thicket with weeds as big as your arm," said Mike Newhouse, president of Siouxland Freedom Park.

According to Newhouse, after 14 years of planning, and three million dollars fundraising, South Sioux City finally revealed its new Interpretive Center named after Medal of Honor recipient Col. George Bud Day* and his wife Doris, both from Sioux City.

"It's just a great feeling to be even acquainted with someone of that nature," said Dannie L. Caskey, a marine veteran of the Vietnam War, in attendance.

Siouxland Freedom Park kicked off the day's events with its annual Veteran's Day celebration, followed by a speech from the Day couple's son George, songs from Sergeant Bluff-Luton High School, and finally a ribbon-cutting.

The 5,000 square-foot Brigadier General Bud & Doris Day Interpretive Center was funded entirely by donations. It is still accepting funds for future exhibits.  

"The idea is to have veterans as docents," added Newhouse.

Currently, the center hosts a temporary exhibit with photos from Heartland Honor Flights, which will be available to the public through Sunday, Nov. 14. 

The park will also see a Korean Memorial, modeled after the one in D.C., arrive next spring. Plus, it recently revealed a statue to honor war dogs, all near the Vietnam Memorial Wall, stirring veterans' emotions.

"The wall is an example of 58,678 some like myself who left blood on the battlefield," said John Ludwick, post-commander in South Sioux City and Vietnam veteran. He assisted in the project for the interpretive center, telling NCN the building itself cost $500,000 and seven years of construction.

Vietnam veteran John Ludwick said he hopes days like this instill an appreciation for American liberties.

"Freedom is not free and also freedom is not a free for all," Ludwick said.

The next step will be for Newhouse to sit down with community stakeholders to choose their first exhibit. There are also minor paint; floor; and lighting details to be finished in a couple of weeks.

* Day received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam war. According to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society:

"On 26 August 1967, Col. Day was forced to eject from his aircraft over North Vietnam when it was hit by ground fire. His right arm was broken in three places, and his left knee was badly sprained. He was immediately captured by hostile forces and taken to a prison camp where he was interrogated and severely tortured. After causing the guards to relax their vigilance, Col. Day escaped into the jungle and began the trek toward South Vietnam. Despite injuries inflicted by fragments of a bomb or rocket, he continued southward surviving only on a few berries and uncooked frogs. He successfully evaded enemy patrols and reached the Ben Hai River, where he encountered U.S. artillery barrages. With the aid of a bamboo log float, Col. Day swam across the river and entered the demilitarized zone. Due to delirium, he lost his sense of direction and wandered aimlessly for several days. After several unsuccessful attempts to signal U.S. aircraft, he was ambushed and recaptured by the Viet Cong, sustaining gunshot wounds to his left hand and thigh. He was returned to the prison from which he had escaped and later was moved to Hanoi after giving his captors false information to questions put before him. Physically, Col. Day was totally debilitated and unable to perform even the simplest task for himself. Despite his many injuries, he continued to offer maximum resistance. His personal bravery in the face of deadly enemy pressure was significant in saving the lives of fellow aviators who were still flying against the enemy. Col. Day's conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Armed Forces."

Doris Day, 92, was unable to make the trip from Florida for the event.