Moundsville Store Decorates for Cost of Freedom Exhibit - WTRF 7 News Sports Weather - Wheeling Steubenville

JoZabeth is a family owned clothing store that has been in business for 75 years. The store is part of city-wide effort to decorate local store fronts in anticipation of the upcoming Cost of Freedom Exhibit. 

JoZabeth recently set up a huge display honoring local, veterans, policemen and firefighters. It's a project that began several months ago when store managers Mary Stees and Libby Magnone began collecting items from local residents to put on display in the front window and throughout the store.

"It was just a word of mouth thing and it kind of snowballed," said Stees. "People said 'oh I know someone who was in, my father, my brother, my uncle and I think they might have something.' We started about three months ago, requesting stuff and we appreciate the generosity of people lending us things to see in our window."

There are military uniforms, medals and newspaper clippings on display all honoring local residents who have served and who continue to serve to protect the safety and freedoms of American Citizens.  Some of the memorabilia dates all the way back to the Civil War. 

There are tributes to veterans of World War One, World War Two, the Korean Conflict as well as the Vietnam War and Gulf War.  Every branch of the Armed Services are represented in the displays.

There are also displays on hand honoring local firemen and police officers.

"The windows were done with the intention of honoring all the heroes that protect and serve us and we did try to involve our local customers with their loved one's memorabilia," said Magnone.  "As they brought them in each one had a story to tell and we tried to display them with honor and respect." 

The Cost of Freedom Exhibit is set for August 23 through 25.