BLACKSBURG, Va. (Nov. 20, 2025) – On Saturday, Nov. 15, the World War II Museum of the New River Valley officially opened and welcomed the community through its doors. 

 

Joseph Collins, the museum's president and founder, shared that the support he felt was immeasurable. “It’s hard to put into words of what I feel right now,” he said. “How everything has gone so far, it’s been amazing.” 

 

Collins highlighted the 100-year-old World War II veteran Sanders Webster, who cut the ribbon during the grand opening ceremony. Collins said that people like Webster embody the museum’s purpose. “It’s just wonderful for people to meet our why, on why the museum is here,” he said. “To share their stories.”

 

The grand opening ceremony was filled with veterans from across the Blacksburg community, who were excited to see the hard work and dedication Collins invested into the museum. For members of the Virginia Tech community and beyond, the museum offers a chance to unite and educate all generations on the sacrifices made during this important moment in history.

 

“Military service has always been something I’ve been very proud of, and when I saw this museum a mile or two down the road, I started to talk with Joe,” said Daniel Cherry, a retired Army veteran. “I think [the museum] is really important for the kids and other generations to appreciate the sacrifices made for this country.”
 

Members from the Corps of Cadets Southern Colonels Jazz Band also attended the grand opening, playing 1940s tunes to help set the tone. Senior Cadet Benjamin Harden appreciated the opportunity to support the museum’s efforts.

 

“I think it went well and I think it’s a good event to bring both like Virginia Tech and the Corps to the greater Virginia Tech community,” Harden said. “ I know there’s a ton of veterans here. I think it was a good opportunity to bridge the gap between current and former.” 

 

Inside, the museum offers a unique experience with authentic memorabilia from the World War II era, provided by contributors such as Joe DeFazio. “I brought Joe a lot of the airborne equipment that you will see on display; a lot of them are my dad’s things from World War II,” said DeFazio.

 

DeFazio believes that seeing these items firsthand will help educate students and the community about the “Greatest Generation.” 

 

“I think this is going to be an important resource for students to do studies here and to learn about this generation and the sacrifices they made to make the world a better place,” he said.

The World War II Museum of the New River Valley is free to visit and hopes to share these important stories with all who want to learn. To find more information about the museum's hours, visit the official Facebook page.