Colcester VT Fallen Heroes Memorial Access !!

[Willie]

This weekend we rode to the Colcester VT Fallen Heroes Memorial. This memorial sits just beyound the gates at Camp Johnson which has a entrance guard. We were stopped by the guard and not permitted on the grounds. I explained and showed the information from the Tour of Honor and still said we were not permitted on the grounds. I asked if we could take a picture from where we were and he stated you are not allowed to point the camera in the direction of the camp, which would have been where the memorial. He stated even if you were one of the soldiers on the base, we would not be permitted to take a picture of the memorial. He also stated that the memorial is only open to the public one time a year on Memorial Day.

I understood about pointing the camera toward the base. I was at another navy base and took a picture of the entrance and within seconds there were MP's all over me. They made me format the SD card in the camera or they would have had to take the camera.

We did grab a picture of the Museum (with bike and flag) which is off to the right of the entrance as a substitute. So will this be counted toward a hit on this site. Inquiring minds would like to know.

Bill Collins Rider #174

[MatthewHogan]

The rules state that if you are unable to get a picture of the memorial due to hours or other access issues, that something nearby will suffice. Get as close as you can is basically the answer. Of course, it must be something recognizable. So, I'm assuming that your museum shot is the best you could do and therfor works.

[Green Mt Boy]

That's interesting ! I went there in April, told guard what I was up to, He said others had come there for same reason, He let me go in and take all the pic's I wanted. Maybe you met a new inexperienced guard, or they were under some new security alert ! Guess we'll never know for sure .

[Willie]

The guard was young for sure. What struck me odd, he was not in a military uniform, but more like a police officer uniform. He was pretty darn adamant about what he was saying. I even showed him the printed page from the web site. Still no go. Looks like it is a really nce memorial too !!

Willie

[Texas T]

The guard was young for sure.

Wet behind the ears and thinking that he was being tested... he stuck to his post orders. The lesser of two evils was to piss you off or risk pissing off his boss.

[Barry Bennett]

I was not allowed on base either. I took a picture at the museum and a few of the static displays and was then told that I should leave by security. The guards were quite unfriendly. I never pointed a camera at the base and even offered to show them the pictures I had taken. At the same time I was being run off at Colchester my wife Rebecca was on base at Fort Sill for two days for the Cavalry Reunion. They placed a painting we donated and dedicated a plaque to her father Jack Shoalmire in the Regiments room. Her and the kids stayed on base for two nights and had no trouble at all. It was obvious at Colchester that I was not welcome from the beginning. I was told that the museum and static displays are all on base property. If I were to do it again I would go to the museum and get my picture of flag and bike and leave. I would not stop and even talk to the guards. For those that are going the museum is on the right when you get to the guard shack. Do not go thru the open gate just beyond the museum.

[Texas T]

Although not specifically related to your location, my wife and I visited the museum at Ft Huachuca (AZ) last weekend. As we were putting on our safety vests and conversing with the security guard (not MP) I mentioned that Brenda was the designated photographer as she sits on the back while I drive. The guard immediately informed us in no uncertain terms that there were to be NO photographs taken in our ride from the gate to the museum. I guess it really depends upon the installation and how upper brass determines the level of security.

FWIW, if anyone has the chance to visit the museum, it is well worth your time.