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Show collectors and historical vendors to find specific items for the exhibit that they were willing to donate. In some cases, we had to use a portion of the fund provided by the 96th Infantry Association to purchase a few reproduction items that are virtually impossible to find. The 96th Infantry Division Association is composed of veterans of that unit, which was one of the many combat divisions fighting on Okinawa during the war. I have had to attend several meetings and conferences which usually included John Reed and the Fort Douglas staff. I have also had opportunities to meet and talk with the 96th Division veterans who, on behalf of their Association, are funding and overseeing this project. I have learned ways to build and compose many aspects and attributes of museum displays from the Fort Douglas staff, namely the curator, Jay, and volunteer Art Gogan. There is so much that goes into building a display, that it is a science in and of itself, which combines and balances such elements as space, lighting, and color. The ultimate goal of this exhibit is to bring to public awareness the significance of the Battle of Okinawa, and pay tribute to those who sacrificed during the battle, on both sides. My role in this project has brought an awareness of how much work goes into museum displays and their importance, and have gained an even greater appreciation of our veterans, a few of whom I've had the honor to meet because of this project. |