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    History in the making

    OSCEOLA, FL, UNITED STATES

    02.21.2015

    Courtesy Story

    204th Public Affairs Detachment

    KISSIMMEE, Fla. - The Kissimmee Museum of Military History hosted their annual Black History Month celebration Feb. 21. The museum first hosted the event three years ago to promote the importance of African American service members throughout U.S. military history.

    Members of the public were encouraged to come out and support the museum while learning about the many sacrifices that African American service members have made throughout this nations military history.

    "I enjoyed today's event, it's good to let people know how much African American service members have done for our country and the world," said Karen McManus a history teacher at Osceola High School.

    "We feel it is highly important to hold events like these to honor past and present service members so that their sacrifice for our freedom can be known to all," said Don Smith Chairman and CEO of the museum.

    Represented at the event were the Osceola fire department, EMS, and SWAT team, the Orlando USO, Osceola civil air patrol and many other groups and vendors including more than 30 members of The Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club.

    "Two of our chapters came out today to show support for the museum and to honor those who have served, Ó said Harold "Chi-town" Moore, member of the Central Florida BSMC chapter. It is important that we not forget where we get our name from and how we began."

    The motorcycle club has sponsored a special display in the museum honoring the original Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments.

    The museum usually holds public events like this once a month honoring a different theme or era in an effort to educate, increase awareness, and build knowledge and understanding of the American military experience.

    "We feel it is highly important to hold events like these that honor past and present service members so that their sacrifice for our freedom can be known to all," said Smith.

    The museum provides an opportunity for visitors of all ages to learn about U.S. involvement in world wide and civil military conflicts through numerous displays dating from the Civil War up until the present day War on Terror. The museum differs from most, as a majority of its exhibits are highly interactive and interpretive.

    "The museum is a little overwhelming since you can get really close and actually get the scale of things," said McManus. "It's chocked full of stories which you could spend a lot of time learning out about."

    Approximately seventy percent of the items displayed in the museum were donated with the remainder being on loan or purchased. The museum is a 501 non-profit organization and relies on attendance and local funding for support.

    Originating from a single uniform hung on display at the Osceola Mall more than a decade ago the museum has transformed and grew into what it is today through the contributions of many.

    "Many people have no clue what we do in the military so we fell it is very important for us to educate the public as to what the military experience is," said Smith.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 02.21.2015
    Date Posted: 03.03.2015 12:14
    Story ID: 155797
    Location: OSCEOLA, FL, US

    Web Views: 27
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN