2023 Military History and Armed Forces Symposium
Apr 28th, 2023 - Apr 29th, 2023
All active military and veterans and their guests and will receive free admission to Discovery Park for the event.
The 2023 Military History and Armed Forces Symposium on Fri., and Sat., April 28 – 29 will feature a variety of programs and interactive activities that explore the American military’s past, present and future. The weekend-long event will include presentations, panel discussions, demonstrations of military equipment, gallery talks and more. Guests will also experience historical interpreters and period musicians throughout the museum and park.
Friday’s events have been designed with students in mind and will provide both military and history-related content perfect for school groups. For student group scholarships, email our education department at education@discoveryparkofamerica.com or call 731-885-5455.
A variety of military-related vendors will be set up in Dinosaur Hall. Included will be the Veteran’s Museum of Halls, Tennessee, Irreverent Warriors, Special Ops Xcursions, TN State Guard, TN Army National Guard, UTM ROTC, TN Department of Veterans Services, Wreaths Across America, United States Space Force, Operation Song, Civil Air Patrol, Airforce Special Warfare, Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, United States Marine Corps, Overmountain Victory Trail Association, Tennessee Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Agricenter International, The Veteran’s Museum, Northwest Tennessee SHIP, and more.
Sponsored by Union City Coca-Cola and Dixie Gun Works.
See full schedule below.
Special Guests include:
Corporal John Henley, USMC
John Lewis Henley was born in Boise City, Oklahoma. Henley entered the United States Marine Corps after graduating high school in 1969. He trained to be a Field Artilleryman and was first stationed at Camp Le June in North Carolina with the 2nd Marine Division. In 1970, Henley was attached to Battalion Landing Team 2/9 Third Marine Division and served in Vietnam, Okinawa and the Philippines. Henley received an honorable discharge in 1971. He attended Southwestern University for two years and graduated from Sunset School of Biblical Studies in 1979. He is now married to Rhonda Henley and has three children, Jona Wright, Jonathan Henley and Joshua Henley.
Lt. Col. Bernard House – Professor of Military Science at the University of Tennessee at Martin
Lt. Colonel House is a professor of military science at the University of Tennessee at Martin. House is also the overall leader of the ROTC battalion at both Murray State University and the University of Tennessee at Martin. Lieutenant Colonel Bernard House is a native of Lexa, Arkansas, and was commissioned into the United States Army in 1997 from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff where he graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting.
Operation Song
“With a mission to empower veterans, active duty military and their families to tell their stories through the process of songwriting, members of Operation Song travel the world serving active duty military and the veteran community.”
Cindy Kent, author
Kent is a retiree of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, where she most recently served as the creative resources director. She is the author of “Better Men: Alpha Upsilon in Vietnam,” in which she sheds light on the comradery of 14 fraternity brothers from Alpha Gamma Rho’s Alpha Upsilon Chapter at the University of Tennessee at Martin who became brothers in service in Vietnam between 1964 and 1972. Kent holds a degree in psychology and a master of arts degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Tennessee.
See full schedule below.
Historical Interpreters
52nd Regimental String Band
Formed in 1990 and based in Memphis, TN, the 52nd Regimental String Band has provided mid-19th century music and entertainment to audiences from Iowa to Georgia and Virginia to Louisiana.
The Living Historians
Join this group of Revolutionary War, Civil War and World War II historical interpreters to learn about the lives of soldiers.
1st Infantry Division
The 1st Infantry Division reenactors are led by Matt Inman and based in Corinth, Mississippi. This group will display artifacts pertaining to World War II, Vietnam, the War of 1812 and the Spanish-American War.
Ron Powell: Civil War Chaplain
Reenactor and interpreter Ron Powell will be sharing about the life and work of a Civil War chaplain.
Schedule of Events
Programs are subject to change.
Fri., April 28, 2023
10:45 a.m. Presentation of Colors- JROTC / National Anthem- Kolby Craig, UCHS Senior / Welcome
11 a.m. Keynote Address: John Henley, USMC
Afternoon Activities: Passport / Demonstrations / Vendors / Reenactment Groups
3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Opportunity Fair
6:30 p.m. VIP Military Reception: This special event is held to honor veterans, active military and reservists who have sacrificed on behalf of all U.S. citizens to fight for and protect our freedom. Each military personnel may bring one guest. Register Here
All day (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) Experience historical interpreters, military displays and equipment from the past, present and future, and hear stories from the Civil War, World War I, World War II and Vietnam.
Sat., April 29, 2023
8 a.m. 5K hosted by UTM ROTC / Register here. Download the digital poster here.
10:45 a.m. Posting of Colors by UTM ROTC / National Anthem by 52nd Regimental String Band / Welcome
11 a.m. Keynote Address: LTC Bernard House
1 p.m. “Better Men: Alpha Upsilon in Vietnam” panel discussion led by Stefan Maupin and Cindy Kent
2:15 p.m. Operation Song
Afternoon Activities: Passport / Demonstrations / Vendors / Reenactment Groups
All day (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) Experience historical interpreters, military displays and equipment from the past, present and future, and hear stories from the Civil War, World War I, World War II and Vietnam.
Mainstay Suites
1111 Blue Heron Lane, Building B, Union City, TN, 38261
731-599-7272
Stay up-to-date on everything happening at Discovery Park by checking the calendar on our website, subscribing to our DiscoverMORE e-newsletter and following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Tiktok.
