Under the colors of the United States flying proudly overhead, the parking lot gives a clue of what awaiting inside.
“I have been in a couple of different museums that were 'on post,' on the military bases, and this is just awesome," said Barbara Cowan from New Port Richey. The military wife and mother has spent her fair share of time on military bases.
The Armed Forces History Museum in Largo isn't a base, rather stands as a living reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom.
“Our core mission is to preserve the memories of the military and it’s veterans," explained Cindy Bosselmann, the assistant executive director of the Armed Forces History Museum.
Across 50,000 square feet, detailed exhibits surround visitors with more than 100,000 artifacts. The story of America’s military might plays out in chronological order, starting with WWI.
“There is gunfire and smoke, and you’re really submerging your senses in that," Cindy warned.
She believes the exhibits are some of the most detailed you’ll find dedicated to history.
"Then it goes through Pearl Harbor and the Navy and then eventually, we get into WWII, Korea, and Vietnam and very soon, in a few months we should have our Desert Storm exhibit."
Already on display, what is believed to be Saddam Hussein’s only uniform on U.S. soil. And interestingly enough, his favorite candy bar: a Mars bar.
“This is an awesome way, firsthand, to learn what you didn’t learn in school," Barbara said.
Her friend Richard Woods agreed.
“I remember the mess kits," the Army veteran said while gazing into a display case holding dehydrated food packaging.
The Army medic peeked inside an ambulance that greatly resembled the one he drove while training in Texas.
“I used to take blood like a vampire,” Woods said.
At the Armed Forces History Museum, you won’t find any barriers. You can walk right up to the exhibits. And while it’s one thing to look at a tank, it’s another to head outside and ride in one.
“We have a 1943, WWII M8 reconnaissance vehicle that the public can take a ride on,” Cindy said.
For an additional fee, you can bounce around in the gun turret of the smaller tank. Hold on, as the experience rocks, giving participants a good idea of how tanks were built for resilience, and not for comfort like a Cadillac.
“You leave here realizing that freedom is not free," Cindy concluded.
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