New exhibit honors the "American Soldier" in Florence

For a few months this winter, American heroes will be on display in the hallways of the Florence Civic Center concourse.

"American Soldier," a stirring display of photographs of American soldiers and Marines, will debut in Florence on Wednesday, Veterans Day, and be open for about three months, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays.

"I can't tell you the amount of support we've gotten," said Dennis Smith with the civic center.

That support includes endoresements from several veterans' groups, and several Congressional Medal Of Honor recipients.

"I think it's another reminder of the service and sacrifice of young Americans and how we as a country have benefitted from that service and sacrifice," said Retired General James Livingston of the United States Marine Corps. Livingston's actions during battle in the jungles of Vietnam 40 years ago earned him the Medal of Honor during President Richard Nixon's administration.

"I want to be a part of (the show in Florence), and I applaud any community that is part of the process," Gen. Livingston said.

Here is a rundown of the events during the show's run at the civic center:

Each of the following dates will have activities for the visitors to be involved with. The veterans and their families will have the opportunity to register with a particular veterans group, get information from the V.A. about benefits they are eligible for and the American Red Cross will sponsor blood drives specifically for the V.A. hospital in Florence on four of the dates.

Each Veteran’s Organization Day program will begin at 11:00am and last about an hour

10 November 2009: Opening Night Gala

(This is an invitation only event)

Guest speakers will include:

* Col. Charles Murray-Congressional Medal of Honor recipient
* Lt. Gen. Charles W. Bagnal-Highest rank ever achieved by a Florence high school graduate
* Col. Kevin Shwedo, Deputy Commander, Ft. Jackson S.C.
* Cyma Rubin-Emmy winning curator of exhibition

21 November 2009: American Legion Day

(This program will be located in the VIP parking lot)

Guest speakers will include:

* Dave Rehbein-National Commander American Legion (outgoing)
* Command Sergeant Major Brian M. Stall; CSM Ft. Jackson S.C.
* Major General (Ret.) Harry Burchstead; Asst. Adjutant General South Carolina National Guard
* Sgt. Major (Ret.) Rick Walden, Veteran’s Affairs Officer, County of Florence

Entertainment:

* Colt Ford and Jason Aldean concert. This will be a ticketed event

5 December 2009: Veterans of Foreign Wars Day

Guest Speakers will include:

* MSgt. John Baker-Congressional Medal of Honor recipient
* Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph R. Allen-XVII Airborne Corps, Ft. Bragg
* Bill Eberle-President, 82nd Airborne Division Association
* Rick Walden-Veteran’s Affairs Officer-City of Florence

Entertainment:

* 82nd Airborne Chorus (not yet confirmed)

19 December 2009: Marine Corps League Day

Guest Speakers will include:

* Gen. James Livingston; Congressional Medal of Honor recipient
* Lt. Clebe McClary-Highly decorated Marine officer; a true hero of South Carolina
* Sgt. Maj. William C. Rice-Camp Lejeune N.C.
* Sgt. Maj. Andrew Yagle-Depot Sergeant Major, Parris Island

Entertainment:

* Liberty Bells-USO Entertainment will do a Christmas performance

9 January 2010: Vietnam Veterans of America Day

Guest Speakers will include

* Lt. Joseph Marm-Congressional Medal of Honor recipient
* MG Robert E. Livingston; J5-CCC CENTCOM

Entertainment:

282D Army Band-Ft. Jackson S.C.

23 January 2010: Disabled American Veterans & Purple Heart Society Day

Guest Speakers will include

* Cpl. Roldolfo Hernandez-Congressional Medal of Honor recipient
* MG Stanhope Spears-Adjutant General of South Carolina
* Lt. Gen. John W. Rosa-President, The Citadel

Entertainment:

* The Citadel Regimental Band & Pipes and Rifle Legion Drill Team will do public performances.