The American Soldier is a dramatic exhibition of photographs that captures the essence of American soldiering over more than 150 years, ever since the birth of photography when the camera became a notebook to history, starting with the Civil War. As photography improved so did the record of The American Soldier.
The 116 enlarged photographs in this exhibition, covers America at war from the Civil War, Spanish American War, Boxer Rebellion, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Afghanistan, and to the streets of Baghdad. The exhibition captures the danger and the frustration, the humor and the beauty, the camaraderie, the death and the victory that the American Soldier encountered in his odyssey through history and continues to, as he battles today in the mountains of Afghanistan and the urban environs of Iraq.
Coinciding with the passionate and graphic traveling exhibit will be several individual Armed Forces appreciation days throughout the November 2009 to February 2010 display period. More than 200,000 citizens, veterans and active duty military personnel are expected to visit the SMG-managed Florence Civic Center and the adjacent Veteran’s Park Memorial during the three month calendar of appreciation. Honoring events include The American Soldier exhibit, five scheduled specific Armed Forces dates, multiple military concerts, United Service Organization (USO) Shows and various military tactical movement displays.
“We are proud to honor our current, retired and fallen Soldiers of all United States Armed Forces,” said Dennis Smith, Sales Manager of the Florence Civic Center and Air Force veteran. “We have been proactive in seeking out these individual groups, military entertainers and The American Soldier exhibition. This is our way of showing our appreciation to those who protect the U.S. and to genuinely say, Thank You.”
A listing of these individual Armed Forces appreciation dates include the Veteran’s of Foreign War Day on Dec. 5, 2009, Marine Corps League Day on Dec. 19, 2009, Vietnam Veteran’s of America Day on Jan. 9, 2010 and the Disabled American Veteran’s and Purple Heart Society Day on Jan. 23, 2010. Each specific military tribute day will be held at the Florence Civic Center where guests will have the opportunity to view The American Soldier, A Photographic Tribute. An array of highly decorated military men and women along with influential guest speakers, have been invited to share their stories with attending guests.
In addition, plans are underway to host military concerts, USO Shows, tactical marching displays and military instrumental performances throughout the timeline. The American Soldier will be open daily through Feb. 2, 2010. Display hours are Mon.-Sat. 9:00 am 7:00 pm, Sun. 9:00 am-5:00 pm. For more information on this exhibition or details concerning specific event dates throughout the three month calendar of appreciation, please frequent FlorenceCivicCenter.com.
The curator and producer of The American Soldier is Cyma Rubin. Ms Rubin is also the curator and producer of the highly successful exhibition, Capture the Moment THE PULITZER PRIZE PHOTOGRAPHS.
The American Soldier exhibition is sponsored by EADS North America, Business of Entertainment Inc. and John B. Stetson Company.
Local contributing organizations include Nesmith Insurance Agency, Gilbert Construction, Pee Dee Kiwanis Club, City of Florence, Florence County, Pee Dee Tourism, Florence Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Mr. B’s, Florence Civic Center and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of South Carolina-Tricare Prime.