Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) has announced that $50,000 in state funding will be allocated to support the development of a new veterans museum in the Town of Kent. The facility will be situated within Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park and is intended to serve as a permanent tribute to local veterans.
The initiative is being led by Putnam County and aims to preserve and share the personal stories, artifacts, and history of area veterans for future generations.
“Supporting our veterans has always been a top priority for me, and this museum will make sure their stories live on,” said Slater. “At a time when so much of our lives happens online, being able to see right in front of you the uniforms they wore, the weapons and medical supplies they carried, the letters they wrote—it immerses you in their world. And it’s important we remember what our veterans lived through for us to have the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy today. I’m proud to support a project that creates a space for people to come together and honor their legacies with the respect they deserve, right here in the heart of our community.”
Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne commented on the project’s significance: “The creation of our new Veterans Museum at Putnam County’s Veterans Memorial Park is just another way we are honoring the brave men and women who have served our country. I’m grateful to Assemblyman Matt Slater for securing this grant that will help breathe new life into this important space, ensuring it serves as a lasting tribute to our military heroes. This museum will not only preserve our history but also offer future generations the opportunity to learn about the sacrifices made by our veterans. I look forward to seeing it come to fruition as part of our broader efforts to enhance the park and provide a fitting memorial for those who have served.”
Karl Rohde, Director of Putnam County Veterans Services, described how an existing museum had previously been located away from public view within Veterans Memorial Park. Due to operational needs, there was an opportunity—and cost—to move it closer to key monuments. Rohde said: “We have had a Veterans Museum at the Veterans Memorial Park for many years. It was tucked away from the main part of the park, rarely viewed by the public. Due to the needs of our park staff, there was a need to move the museum. It was talked about, and if possible, a new structure closer to the monuments would be erected to honor our veterans and service members. Of course, there would be a cost for this move. Assemblyman Slater stood up and offered to help secure funding for the Veterans Museum. He came through with his promise, and the new museum is under construction, hopefully to reopen around Veterans Day 2025. Thank you and a salute to the Assemblyman and fellow Veterans.”
County Legislator Amy Sayegh expressed appreciation for community involvement: “I’m proud of our community for coming together to make this happen. Preserving the past is just one part of what this museum will accomplish—our veterans’ service and sacrifice must remain visible and valued. This space will do justice to their contributions and ensure their stories are front and center, where they belong. I’m grateful for Assemblyman Slater’s leadership and support of this project. I look forward to joining our community in visiting this special site.”
