Museum of Military History to open in Kissimmee on Saturday 31st March
After months of preparation, the Museum of Military History, Osceola County’s only military history institution, is set to open its doors to the public Saturday, March 31, at noon.
The museum is located just down the road from the Florida Leisure Vacation Homes office at 5210 W. U.S. Highway 192 in Kissimmee and the 10,000-square-foot museum will provide interactive displays and exhibits beginning with historical photos, uniforms and interpretations of the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and the recent military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Rob Dent, museum spokesman, said the facility will offer either guided or self-guided tours.
“It also features veterans’ oral histories as former or active duty service men and women can recollect their military experience to share with visitors,” Dent said.
The museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and admission ranges from $7 for adults with discounts for seniors, students and veterans.
If you plan on visiting more often, an annual membership provides all the benefits of regular admission plus unlimited visits to the museum, inclusion in selected special events; early invitation to pre-register for paid events; monthly museum e-newsletter, updates and special events, personalized membership card and membership to partner museums.
Membership classifications include individual membership at $35, annual family membership for $75 and annual corporate membership for $100 to $150 depending on number of employees.
The museum operates under the umbrella of the Osceola Veterans Tribute and Museum and is a nonprofit organization.
“As the museum establishes itself in the community as a hub for history buffs, interested citizens and active duty servicemen and veterans, it will also be a resource for students,” Dent said. “Additionally, Central Florida is becoming a destination for military reunions with visitors enjoying the mild climate and other attractions while staying in Osceola County. Visiting the museum and benefiting from its insightful and educational accounts of the conflicts that have forged the past and current history of our country will provide a memorable experience.”
Attending the 11am opening on Saturday will be Col. Danny McKnight, made famous in the book and film “Black Hawk Down” for his actions in Mogadishu, Somalia, in 1993. Colonel McKnight’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (2 awards), the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Ranger Tab, the Master Parachutist Badge with Combat Star, and the Pathfinder Badge. After completing 28 and one-half years of service to our country, Colonel McKnight returned to his hometown in Florida. He has served in two Homeland Security related positions in Brevard County…as the Homeland Security Coordinator for the County’s Emergency Management Office, then as the Homeland Security Training Coordinator in the Criminal Justice Center at Brevard Community College. Colonel McKnight now focuses all his efforts on being a nationwide motivational speaker. He and his wife, Linda, reside in Rockledge, Florida.
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