Pee Dee Region Has Rare Honor Of Hosting Three-Month Military Tribute
Florence, South Carolina (July 7, 2009) - Florence has been selected as the only South Carolina city to host The American Soldier: A Photographic Tribute from the Civil War to 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 two hundred thousand 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 American Legion Day on November 21, 2009, Veteran’s of Foreign War Day on December 5, 2009, Marine Corps League Day on December 19, 2009, Vietnam Veteran’s of America Day on January 9, 2010 and the Disabled American Veteran’s and Purple Heart Society Day on January 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. For more information, please frequent FlorenceCivicCenter.com for updates and details.
Contributing organizations include EADS North America, Business of Entertainment Inc., STETSON An American Spirit, 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.