African-American Military History Museum To Open

On May 23 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. From the battlefields of the Revolutionary War to the streets of Iraq, African-American soldiers have given their lives to protect our freedom. Now, their sacrifices are being given a place of honor in the African-American Military History Museum at the historic USO Club.

"The USO Club is a historic landmark and is a one of a kind institution in the United States," said Hattiesburg Convention Commissioner Iola Williams. "It's amazing to see this building, which was once a symbol of segregation, become a symbol of freedom not only for African-Americans but for everyone. It is only fitting that some of our nation's bravest be honored here."

The USO Club opened in 1942 and was constructed by community volunteers who invested more than 40,000 hours in the project. It is currently the only surviving USO built exclusively for African-American soldiers. In 2003, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

More than 150 years of African-American military history will be displayed in this interactive museum. Beginning with the Buffalo Soldiers of the post civil war era through modern conflicts like Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, visitors will witness the service and sacrifice of African-American servicemen and women.