Lest We Forget, We Move Forward: Honoring History Through Action

The Ohio Ladies of the Western Reserve were honored to have a tour of the Long Military Museum LLC dba Lest We Forget in Wooster, Ohio. We were greeted by Heroes from WWII, Korea, Vietnam Era, and Desert Storm Era.

The Long Museum was started in 2017 by Gregory Long to honor and preserve his family’s collection of artifacts from their Military service. What started in a small space has grown to 6000 sq. ft. of Military history and features not only the Long Family but military history of Wayne County. The brochure says there are items from WWI to the Global War on Terror, but Mr. Long said he is getting Civil War items now. They even have a wallet belonging to George Washington.

As you go through the museum, it is interesting to see how warfare and supplies have advanced, but Dry Socks remain the Number 1 priority!

The Long Museum is a private family museum and does not accept cash donations, only military-related items to display. Tours are available on request. Gregory Long especially wants to encourage schools and youth groups to visit the museum. Our history must be kept alive, or“Lest We Forget”.

Moments like these are exactly why the Ohio Western Reserve Ladies remain intentional about how we gather. Rather than filling calendars with frequent meetings, we commit to biannual opportunities that allow our time together to be meaningful, energizing, and forward-moving. These moments are not about talking—they are about aligning, recognizing, and preparing.

Our time together is used to honor the work being done by our volunteers, learn from strong community partners like the Long Military Museum, and strategically plan for the months ahead—months that are often filled with service, ceremonies, and standing alongside families when it matters most. By protecting our time in this way, we ensure that our energy is spent where it belongs: in the community, in action, and in service.

As we approach Memorial Day, this reminder carries even more weight. This is not a season to grow weary. It is a season to lean in. While the world can feel divided and distractions pull people inward, our mission calls us outward—to show up, to stand beside, and to serve those who have given so much for this country.

We invite you to be part of that mission. Whether through attending an event, volunteering your time, or simply sharing in the remembrance of those who served, your presence matters. Our organization continues to grow because people choose action over apathy, service over silence, and community over division.

Together, we will not forget. And more importantly, we will continue the work.

For events and opportunities, please visit our events page on our website or social media pages.

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Bonnie Gardner serves as Vice President of Ohio Western Reserve Ladies and is the matriarch of a deeply rooted military family built on a legacy of service. She is the wife of an Army Veteran laid to rest at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, a connection that continues to fuel her dedication to honoring those who served. Bonnie has led the organization’s Asset Committee for multiple consecutive years, bringing consistency, strength, and vision to its growth. In every space she enters, she is not only a leader—but an asset in the truest sense.