Free admission Military History Museum open house Veterans Day 2017 Saturday, November 11
November 7, 2017
The Military History Center of the Carolinas (MHCC) will host a FREE Veteran’s Day Open House at their developing Military History Museum on November 11th, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. World War I items will be on display, in addition to items from the Spanish American War, as well as, more current conflicts.
Why do we observe Veteran’s Day? “An armistice, which is a formal agreement between warring parties to stop fighting, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918 is considered by many to be the day “The war to end all wars” was finally over. In reality WWI, also known as “The Great War”, officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France.” according to local historian Bob Dicey.
“The official holiday formed when President Wilson proclaimed November 11, 1919 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. This day was set aside to honor veterans of just World War I. In 1954, after World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting the word “Veterans.” Thus November 11th became a day to honor American Veterans of all wars. Later, attempts were made to change the date to accommodate a three day weekend but it was not generally accepted by the public so it remains on November 11, no matter what day of the week it falls on.” Dicey said. “WWI also is important this year because now though November 2018 marks 100 years since the United States was involved in WWI.” stated Dicey.
“Not many people are familiar with the Spanish American War which occurred before WWI. It was very short, under four months long, but it resulted in Spain relinquishing power over Cuba and giving up control of Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippine Islands to the United States. There was an army training camp in Greenville during the Spanish American War”, stated Lynn Duncan, former social studies teacher and local historian.
Several “Touch Tables” will be set up. Check out a Radar from WWII TBM Avenger (Torpedo bomber on US aircraft carriers). It was used to spot enemy surface ships. See a RT524 radio used in jeeps in the Vietnam War. Pick up some packaged food soldiers carried. Try on a Helmet, Top and a volunteer can let you sit in a WWII jeep! (great photo opportunity)
“Want to learn more about our history? Come out to the museum on Veteran’s Day!” added Dicey.
The developing museum is located at 14 Airport Road Ext., Greenville, SC 29607 and is adjacent to Runway Park which is within a block of the proposed Swamp Rabbit Trail extension.
Want to help? MHCC is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization so donations are tax-deductible. Donations are needed to add insulation as well as heating and air conditioning to the large display hangar. Educational signage and display cases are also needed. Monetary donations can be mailed to MHCC, 100 Tower Drive, Unit 6, Greenville, SC 29607.
In addition to financial donations, military items are sought. Please visit http://www.greenvilledowntownairport.com/MHCC.html for details.
About Military History Center of the Carolinas (MHCC)
MHCC was originally formed in the mid 1990‘s under the name Military Collectors Club of the Carolinas. In 2009, the group was incorporated in South Carolina as a non-profit and was approved as a tax-exempt 501-C3 organization by the IRS. The name was changed to Military History Center of the Carolinas in July 2015 to better reflect the full scope of MHCC operations. For many years, members of MHCC have been dedicated to preserving our American Military History by collecting and restoring items to take to events throughout our nation and within our local communities. This group, which has members from South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia, have conducted a sort of “traveling museum”. Last year alone they visited 67 locations. Families and individuals; young, and not so young; male and female; about 50% veterans, and many others who have never served, help make up this diverse group. For more information about MHCC, please visit http://www.greenvilledowntownairport.com/MHCC.html or contact Sam Cooper at [email protected] or 864-346-5026
