DISCOVERY PARK MILITARY PAST, PRESENT FUTURE EXPO MARCH 8-9

Discovery Park of America is hosting its Military Past, Present and Future Expo on Friday, March 8 and Saturday, March 9, 2024

What: Discovery Park of America is hosting its annual Military Past, Present and Future Expo on Friday, March 8 and Saturday, March 9. 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.

When:

Friday, March 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lower-Level Military Gallery

10:30 a.m. Patriotic Kickoff Concert featuring Paris-Henry County Concert Band

11:00 a.m. Posting of Colors, UTM ROTC

11:15 a.m. “Then and Now,” an educational panel hosted by Maj. William Burgess and Sgt. 1st Class Grover Muirheid featuring cadets from the UTM ROTC Program

11:45 a.m. Keynote address from Brig. Gen. Trent Scates

Wade Cabin

12:30 p.m. “Letters and More from the Civil War” hosted by historical interpreter, Mike Ramsey

STEM Landing

1:00 p.m. UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter take-off, weather pending

Wade Cabin

1:30 p.m. “Letters and More from the Civil War” hosted by historical interpreter, Mike Ramsey

ATA Traveling Exhibit Hall

2:30 p.m. Guided Tour of the new “Vietnam, 2 Soldiers. 2 Artists. 2 Journeys. Then and Now.” led by Discovery Park’s director of education, Michael Larkin

Lower-Level Military Gallery

3:00 p.m.“The Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE): Food on the Frontlines” hosted by Discovery Park’s Eric Uselton

Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lower-Level Military Gallery

11:00 a.m. Posting of Colors performed by members of the UTM ROTC and performance of the National Anthem by the 52nd Regimental String Band

11:15 a.m. “Then and Now,” an educational panel hosted by Maj. William Burgess and Sgt. 1st Class Grover Muirheid featuring cadets from the UTM ROTC Program

11:45 a.m. Keynote Speaker, 2nd Lt. Christina Mills

Lower-Level Military Gallery

1:00 p.m. Explore military equipment with a guided tour hosted by Discovery Park’s David Heathcott

Lower-Level Military Gallery

1:30 p.m.“The Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE): Food on the Frontlines” hosted by Discovery Park’s Eric Uselton

Wade Cabin at The Settlement

2:00 p.m. “Civil War Clothing: from Flax to Fiber” presented by historical interpreter, Mike Ramsey

The Settlement Pavilion

3 p.m. Performance by 52nd Regimental String Band

Where: Discovery Park of America, 830 Everett Blvd., Union City, TN 38261

Vendors and reenactment groups displayed throughout the Heritage Park (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.):

UT Martin ROTC

Chaplain Ron Powell, LTC. U.S. Army (Retired)

The Veteran’s Museum

Veteran's Center for Independent Living

Tennessee Society Daughters of the American Revolution

Wreaths Across America

Ron Powell: Civil War Chaplain

52nd Regimental String Band

The Living Historians