USA: THE SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN HISTORY MUSEUM IN WASHINGTON IS TO OPEN A NEW EXHIBIT CHRONICLING TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS OF US MILITARY HISTORY
Record ID:
862431
USA: THE SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN HISTORY MUSEUM IN WASHINGTON IS TO OPEN A NEW EXHIBIT CHRONICLING TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS OF US MILITARY HISTORY
- Title: USA: THE SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN HISTORY MUSEUM IN WASHINGTON IS TO OPEN A NEW EXHIBIT CHRONICLING TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS OF US MILITARY HISTORY
- Date: 9th November 2004
- Summary: (L!3) WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES (NOVEMBER 9, 2004) (REUTERS - ACCESS ALL) EXTERIOR: OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY CU: EXHIBIT SIGN WS: POSTERS OF EMOROR HIROHITO, ADOLPH HITLER AND BENITO MUSSOLINI GV: JEEP USED DURING WWII CU/PULL OUT: GUN WITH BOOTS CU/PAN UP: MODEL OF INJURED SOLDIER DURING VIETNAM ERA BEING ASSISTED BY FELLOW SOLDIER
- Embargoed: 24th November 2004 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES
- City:
- Country: USA
- Topics: Entertainment,Quirky,Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky
- Reuters ID: LVA9YC1ZAVLU3P7UI47LF3KNV3GY
- Aspect Ratio:
- Story Text: The Smithsonian American History Museum in the U.S.
capital Washington will open a new exhibition chronicling 250 years of American military history.
The Smithsonian American History Museum in Washington will unveil a new military history exhibit on Thursday( November 11). The exhibit features 850 objects taken from 250 years of American military history.
"The Price of Freedom: Americans at War" gives a chronological overview of the conflicts the U.S. has been involved in.
Exhibit curator David Allison hopes visitors to the new exhibit will gain a better understanding of the ramifications of war and the many sacrifices that have been made on the battlefield and on the home front.
Allison told Reuters "wars have been defining episodes in our nation's history. They have shaped our national character and our position in world affairs."
The exhibit has items on display from the French and Indian war in the 18th century through the current military conflict in Iraq.
Personal accounts and effects of men and women serving in the military are included in the exhibit.
A restored UH-1H Huey Helicopter is the largest single object on display and is located in the Vietnam section of the exhibition. It was deployed to Vietnam in 1966 and served the 173rd Assault Helicopter Company.
The Price of Freedom; America at war exhibit has been criticized for containing items items from the current war in Iraq on display without having the benefit of historical distance and analysis. Additionally the exhibit has been criticized for glorifying war. Allison answered criticisms by saying " Controversy and war go hand in hand and it's important at the Smithsonian to tell a balanced story, to tell some of the story about the country as well as some of the sacrifice and heroism of people who fought in our wars.
Items on display include: George Washington's sword, Custer's coat, Sherman's hat, a WWII gold star flag and telegram, a bicycle used on the Ho Chi Minh Trail, a rifle fired at Kent State, Colin Powell's Desert Storm uniform, a deck of Iraqi "Most Wanted" cards and steel girders from the World Trade Centre. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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