Our region boasts of a rich history and culture that attracts visitors to Southwest Virginia from across the nation. Throughout our region, a number of museums highlight that culture and offer visitors a greater understanding of what makes Southwest Virginia unique.

This summer, the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the nonprofit Blue Star Families organization have joined in announcing the Blue Star Museums initiative, which offers free admission for members of the military and their families to many museums across the United States. I am pleased to note than many of the Blue Star Museums are located in Southwest Virginia and have been supported with the assistance of federal funding provided at my request.

More than 700 museums in all 50 states are taking part in the Blue Star Museums initiative, including more than 30 children’s museums. The museums represent a broad range of art, history, science, and culture.

The initiative began on Memorial Day, May 31, 2010, and extends to Labor Day, Sept. 6, 2010. The free admission is available to any bearer of a Geneva Convention Common Access Card (CAC), a DD Form 1173, or a DD Form 1173-1, which includes any active member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserve, along with five family members.

Many museums across Virginia will be offering free admission to military families this summer. In particular, participating museums that highlight Southwest Virginia’s unique heritage include:

• William King Regional Arts Center in Abingdon
• Museum of the Middle Appalachians in Saltville
• Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Foundation and Museum in Wytheville
• The O. Winston Link Museum in Roanoke
• The Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke
• The Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke
• The Historical Museum of Western Virginia in Roanoke

I am pleased that the National Endowment for the Arts and the Blue Star Families organization are offering this excellent opportunity for members of the military and their families to visit museums this summer. It is important to honor the service of our military personnel. These individuals are generous members of our society who risk their personal safety for the good of our nation, and the Blue Star Museums program is a fitting way to recognize that service.

Rick Boucher is Congressman for the Ninth District of Virginia, which includes the New River Valley. You can catch his Capitol Commentary regularly at newrivervoice.com.