The 15-Year-Old Keeping War Memories Alive

On the outskirts of a goat farm in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom is Luke’s Military Museum, housed in an aluminum trailer. It serves as a tribute to the nation’s veterans, showcasing a collection of military artifacts.

The museum was founded by Luke Morrison, a 15-year-old with a passion for preserving war stories. He has gathered an impressive array of artifacts and conducts interviews with veterans to capture their memories. His quest for subjects often begins with spotting a service cap. Luke recounts, “If I’m in the grocery store and see an older man, I’ll ask, ‘Were you in the military?’ The answer is often ‘Yes.’”

Exhibits feature items such as the uniform of Iraq War veteran Tim Bedor, Vietnam airman Vinny Matteis’s jump boots, and a Marine pin from Pete Racine, a World War II veteran known for stunt flipping a car at 92. The trailer holding these treasures was bought by Luke’s great-granduncle, Dwight Cooley, a World War II veteran. His photo now decorates a shelf.

Luke may be among the youngest to preserve the tradition of processing war through veterans’ memories and mementos. This work aligns with the themes of federal holidays like Veterans Day and Memorial Day, and echoes in monuments and gravestones. These memories shape the nation’s understanding of past conflicts and inform decisions on future engagements.

During a recent museum tour, Luke shared about Harry Swett, a local Vietnam veteran who contributed shoulder patches before his passing. Swett also invited Luke into his home, where he recounted his military experiences in detail, sharing both the triumphs and challenges.