Discovery Park of America launches temporary military exhibit during 2024 Military Past, Present and Future Expo
February 16, 2024
Discovery Park of America launches temporary military exhibit during 2024 Military Past, Present and Future Expo
All active military service members, veterans and their guests receive free admission to Discovery Park for the event March 8 and 9, 2024.
(Union City, Tennessee, Feb. 16, 2024) – Discovery Park of America is hosting its annual Military Past, Present and Future Expo on Friday, March 8 and Saturday, March 9, 2024.
Sponsored by Dixie Gun Works and Union City Coca-Cola, the event will feature a variety of programs and interactive activities that explore the past, present and future of the American military. All active military service members, veterans and their guests will receive free admission to Discovery Park during both days of this event.
Those attending will be among the first to experience a temporary art exhibit, “Vietnam: 2 soldiers. 2 Artists. 2 Journeys. Then & Now.” The exhibition, on loan from Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center in Hendersonville, Tennessee, spotlights the work of David Wright and Chuck Creasy. Both were soldiers on the ground during the Vietnam War who wrote about and drew illustrations of their experiences. The exhibit includes these early artworks and works painted later from photos taken in Vietnam during the war and from a trip to Vietnam fifty years later. The exhibition will be displayed in the ATA Temporary Exhibits Gallery from March 8 – May 26, 2024.
The 2024 Military Past, Present and Future Expo also features military-related vendors, presentations from special guests, static and active military equipment, vehicle demonstrations and gallery talks. Guests will also experience historical interpreters, craftspeople and living historians throughout the museum and park.
“We’re grateful to our many partners who are helping us plan all the activities and programs that highlight the past, present and future of our nation’s armed forces,” said Michael Larkin, director of education and museum experience for the museum. “This event is going to provide a lot for our guests to discover.”
Attendees will also be able to explore Discovery Park’s Military Gallery, which can be found on two levels of the museum. The lower level contains a collection of military vehicles and weapons, as well as displays about the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War and our current military conflicts. Displays about the Civil War, World War I and World War II can be found on the entry level along with an oral history theater that showcases stories shared by veterans.
All the programs, panel discussions and other events during the expo are included with park admission or membership.
All active military service members, veterans and their guests receive free admission on both days of the event.
School group leaders wanting to request scholarships for student groups should email education@discoveryparkofamerica.com or call 731-885-5455.
For a full list of events and biographies on the special guests, visit discoveryparkofamerica.com/militaryexpo.
Photo Caption: Chaplain Ron Powell, LTC. U.S. Army (Retired) with guests at last year’s Military Past, Present and Future Expo. Powell will be participating in the 2024 Expo at Discovery Park on March 8 and 9, 2024. All active military service members, veterans and their guests receive free admission to Discovery Park for the event.
