Salute Our Heroes

About this event

Behind every veteran is a story of service and sacrifice. This November, Behringer-Crawford Museum invites the community to hear those stories and thank the people who lived them.

Join us for Salute Our Heroes on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, from 1–3 p.m., as we honor local veterans for their military service and the many ways they continue to serve our community. All veterans receive free museum admission, and the day also marks the opening of Holly Jolly Days.

Guest speaker Dr. James Claypool, a founding faculty member and professor emeritus of history at Northern Kentucky University, will share the remarkable story of Newport native Dr. Alvin Poweleit. An Army physician with the 192nd Tank Battalion, Poweleit cared for wounded soldiers in the Philippines before surviving the Bataan Death March and three years as a prisoner of war. Even in captivity, with little medicine available, he found ways to care for fellow prisoners, using his knowledge of native plants to help keep men alive. Awarded 12 medals, Poweleit’s story is one of courage, resourcefulness and a determination to help others under unimaginable conditions.

The afternoon will also celebrate veterans whose contributions reach beyond their military service. H.B. Deatherage, founder and president of the Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame, will share how the organization has grown since 2014 to honor veterans across the Commonwealth. Northern Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame President Randy Marsh will recognize members whose achievements in athletics and service to their country have earned them a place in both halls of fame.

BCM Curator Jason French will look back at the museum’s veterans exhibitions and its work with both halls of fame to preserve and share the stories of those who served.

The program will also highlight Vietnam veteran Bob Hebbeler’s military service and his continued work with veterans here at home. A graduate of Xavier University’s ROTC program, Hebbeler served as a Mobile Advisory Team Leader in Vietnam and later as a company commander with the 478th Combat Engineer Battalion in Fort Thomas. He attained the rank of major, and his military awards include the Bronze Star.

Hebbeler’s local service includes years of leadership with the Highland Cemetery Veterans Day Planning Committee and mentoring a veteran through the Kenton County Veterans Treatment Court. He also led the relocation, redesign and rededication of Devou Park’s Veterans Memorial. After the program, spend some time exploring the museum as we welcome the opening day of Holly Jolly Days. Running Nov. 14 through Jan. 10, 2027, the celebration includes the 35th annual Holiday Toy Trains; “Wahoo’s Winter Wonderland,” an animated display based on local author Diana Grady’s children’s book; and “Think Small: Anything Can Be a Miniature,” featuring Robert Haven’s detailed miniature rooms crafted from repurposed objects. Bring the family to honor our veterans, enjoy a favorite holiday tradition and discover something new together.

For more information, call (859) 491-4003 or visit bcmuseum.org. Behringer-Crawford Museum is located at 1600 Montague Road in Devou Park, Covington, KY 41011.

Behringer-Crawford Museum is supported in part by our members, the City of Covington, Kenton County Fiscal Court, ArtsWave, Kentucky Arts Council and the Northern Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame