National Museum and Center for Service

The National Museum and Center for Service began as a vision of Congressman Brian Baird. While in Congress, Brian traveled to some very difficult parts of the world, from war zones, disaster areas, and places with unimaginable human suffering. Yet no matter how hard the conditions, no matter the challenge or risk, they always found Americans putting themselves on the line to help others. Sometimes they were from official agencies of our government, sometimes they were with established organizations large or small, and sometimes they were just individuals who felt a calling to make a difference.

We have all seen examples of this, and know people who deserve to be recognized for their contributions to the community. 

Just as we find it appropriate, even necessary, to honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women in the military, we should also find a way, and have places, to honor those who serve without uniforms or weapons. Because that spirit of service is just as fundamental to our nation and who we are as a people, just as vital to our democracy, and just as important to how others in the world view America.

That is why it is long past time to establish the National Museum and Center for Service. A place in our Nation’s Capital to celebrate and inspire service in all its forms from the founding of the nation to the present day.