ROCHESTER  — A World War II veteran in Rochester is hoping that a proposed museum will help people remember his fallen comrades when he is gone.

“I don’t know who will remember these guys if I don’t,” Glenn Miller said. The 89-year-old carries a list of his fallen friends and said he thinks of them almost daily.

Plans have been underway for six years to build the Minnesota Veterans and Emergency Services Museum in Rochester. But Tom Hosier, who is leading the effort, said a lot of local residents are still unaware of it. He’s hoping to change that with an open house this Sunday.

That’s where organizers will detail their vision for a 60,000-square-foot museum to honor veterans and emergency responders, including firefighters, police officers and paramedics. Hosier said he doesn’t believe there’s another museum like that nationwide.

Tentative plans call for the museum to include historical exhibits, a restaurant, meeting space, a gift shop and chapel. There would also be a public archive where visitors could do research.

The museum is estimated to cost $20 million. State Rep. Duane Quam, R-Byron, said he would introduce a bill in the upcoming legislative session to provide $15 million in state funds for the project.