The National Medal of Honor Heritage Center will celebrate all veterans with several events beginning Monday, March 25 through Friday, March 29.
Monday, March 25 -- Medal of Honor Day. At 6 p.m., National Military Park Historian Ranger Jim Ogden will conduct a program giving guests a chronicle of Chattanooga’s role as the birthplace of the Medal of Honor. From 9-10 a.m. and from 5-6 p.m., Heritage Center staff will lead guided tours of its 9,000 square-foot gallery featuring Chattanooga area recipients Charles Coolidge, Desmond Doss, Paul Huff, Alvin York and Larry Taylor, among others.
Regular admission prices apply.
Tuesday, March 28 – Wine and War/Vietnam. From 6-9 p.m. the Heritage Center will focus on Vietnam in its second Wine and War series, where attendees following a cocktail hour, will sample unique cuisine of Vietnam and share in an intimate Q&A experience with Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient Sammy Davis.
In 1967, Davis, an Army Vietnam veteran, while severely wounded by heavy enemy fire, saved the lives of three seriously injured soldiers, earning him the nation’s highest military award, the Medal of Honor.
The legacy of Vietnam remains deeply ingrained in the collective memory of those who lived through it in the jungles, rice paddies and on the home front by way of televised nightly news. For younger generations the Oscar-winning film, Forrest Gump, served as an introduction to the War and the cultural complexities of the era. Released in 1994, the motion picture celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
Footage of Davis receiving the prestigious medal from President Lyndon Johnson, was incorporated into the film, with actor Tom Hank’s face digitally inserted onto the young Davis’ head.
Entertainment will be provided by the popular Ladies of Liberty, nationally known for their spirited renditions of songs from World War II, Korea and the Vietnam era.
To order tickets for Wine and War at the Medal of Honor Heritage Center, 2 W. Aquarium Way, go to nmohhc.org.
Friday, March 29 – Vietnam Veteran’s Day Breakfast. From 8:30-11 a.m., Vietnam Veterans will enjoy a free breakfast sponsored by RE/Max Properties, and an opportunity mix and mingle with Sergeant First Class (retired) Sammy Davis. Davis will sign his book, You Don’t Lose ‘Til You Quit Trying: Lessons in Adversity and Victory from a Vietnam Veteran and Medal of Honor Recipient.
Families and guests of Vietnam Veterans pay regular price for admission.