EMPORIUM – A retired social studies teacher and veterans’
advocate from Cameron County looks at the successful World War II
Museum in Eldred and wonders, “Why not us?”

Against heavy odds, L. Maxwell Narby is promoting a plan to
build a combination Korean War/Vietnam War Museum in Emporium.

Anyone who knows Max Narby recognizes that, if anyone can pull
it off, he can.

“My attitude is, where there’s a will, there’s a way,” Narby
said. “This could develop into a great asset to the community.

“This would not only honor the sacrifices our military personnel
have made, but it would also bring people to Emporium,” he added.
“Our motels and other businesses would benefit – it would give
people a reason to come here.”

A secondary benefit Narby sees is heightened awareness and
appreciation of northcentral Pennsylvania’s role in America’s wars.
He has grown distressed by the apathy he witnesses during local
veterans’ events, such as Memorial Day services, and believes
America’s future hinges on greater national unity.

Narby unveiled his plan during this week’s meeting of the
Emporium Borough Council. Although members expressed general
support for the idea, they were reluctant to commit to any
financial support.

Fundraising and ongoing maintenance expenses are among the
biggest challenges, Narby concedes. At this point, he is asking the
public to keep an open mind as the idea is studied.

Narby, who is an officer of Emporium American Legion Post 194,
sees the museum as a perfect fit on a lot called the Big Flag
Memorial along state Route 120 at the west end of Emporium.

Veterans’ organizations are supportive, but Narby knows he’ll
also need the backing of local government, businesses, politicians
and others if his plan has any hope of succeeding.

He plans to assemble an “exploratory committee” comprised of
representatives from Emporium Borough Council, the Cameron County
Board of Commissioners, Cameron County Board of Education,
veterans’ organizations and other interested parties.