MILITARY HERITAGE MUSEUM CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH, FEBRUARY 2022

The Military Heritage Museum in Punta Gorda invites you to join us to celebrate Black History Month. Our desire is to call attention to the service and sacrifices of Black Americans, especially relating to military service. With more than 2 million African Americans serving in the US military today, the Military Heritage Museum is celebrating and paying tribute to Black soldiers and recognizing contributions they have made in past wars and are continuing to make in today’s military. The Military Heritage Museum commends the Black military members for their service and sacrifice in protecting our country.
 
Special Atrium Exhibit—Unsung Heroes: Portrait of the 94 Black Medal of Honor Recipients
In honor of Black History Month, the Military Heritage Museum is showcasing a special exhibit in the Museum’s main atrium titled “Unsung Heroes: Portrait of the 94 Black Medal of Honor Recipients.” In this exhibit you will learn that, of the over 3,500 Medals of Honor awarded to US service members since its creation during the Civil War, only 95 have been awarded to Black Americans, which is less than 3 percent. Throughout America’s history, from the Battle of Lexington to the Battle for Fallujah, Black soldiers have honorably answered the call of duty, serving with great valor and distinction in America’s armed forces. But, at times, they have even had to fight for the right to serve their country as military service members. Learn about their struggles as they fought through the constant battle against racism, unit segregation and the eventual integration of the military. Included in the exhibit are videos, print, photos, and artifacts.
 
Daily Documentaries—Gulf Theater, 1:00 Tues-Sat, included with museum admission
The daily documentaries this month will highlight Black soldiers and their contributions to the US armed services.

• February 1^st-5^th: PBS documentary “The 54^th Massachusetts Colored Infantry” and learn the history of one of America’s first Black military units.
• February 8^th-12^th: History Channel documentary “A Distant Shore: African Americans of D-Day” which highlights nearly 2,000 African Americans who were among the troops who stormed the beaches of Normandy, with personal stories from seven of these forgotten heroes.
• February 15^th-19^th: History Channel documentary “Honor Deferred” to hear about the seven Black soldiers who deserved the Medal of Honor for actions in WWII but sadly were not recognized for their heroic actions until nearly five decades later.
• February 22^nd-26^th: PBS documentary “The Tuskegee Airmen” to see the heroic stories and contributions made by these legendary and ground-breaking Black aviators.

• February 4: Stevie Wonder/Lionel Ritchie Tribute
• February 11: Blues Brothers/Tina Turner Tribute
• February 18: Whitney Houston/Donna Summer Tribute