Remember and Honor: 11 Military Museums to Visit Year Round

From eye-catching exhibits to interactive displays to special events, military museums do more than bring stories to life. They also offer insight into the lives and experiences of service members.

When you visit any of these 11 military or military-related museums in the South, you can remember and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, those who've served, and the current active members year-round.

National Medal of Honor Museum

Arlington, Texas

Exhibit from Rails to Rotors at the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas photo courtesy of the National Medal of Honor Museum

Of the 40 million Americans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, fewer than 4,000 have earned the Medal of Honor. Of those, only 61 are living today.

Describing itself as neither a war memorial nor a military museum, the National Medal of Honor Museum defines itself as being values and biography-based, taking you on a narrative journey through the lives of ordinary people who did something extraordinary in service to others. 

The museum features 31,000 square feet of artifacts, interviews, lives and legacies of those who have received the country's highest award for valor in combat. Highlights include a fully restored Bell UH-1 "Huey" Iroquois helicopter modeled after the one flown by Medal of Honor Recipient U.S. Army Major General Patrick H. Brady (Ret.) and "Conversations: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives," where, through innovative technology, you can interview a virtual Medal of Honor Recipient.

Chennault Aviation and Military Museum

Monroe, Louisiana

Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Monroe, Louisiana photo personal collection

Housed in one of the few remaining buildings of the Selman Field Army Air Corps Navigation School, the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum introduces you to Monroe and northeast Louisiana's role in aviation and the military.

Through exhibits and objects on display, learn about the Selman Field and the start of Delta Air Lines and about the residents who served in the five branches.

The facility also honors General Claire Lee Chennault, the "Flying Tigers" commander during World War II. This group helped China in the early stages of the war. The Chennault Aviation and Military Museum is home to the most extensive collection of Chennault artifacts.

National WWII Museum

New Orleans, Louisiana

The National WWII Museum in New Orleans photo personal collection

Dedicated in 2000 as the D-Day Museum and later designated by Congress as America's National WWII Museum, the museum highlights the "American Spirit" of teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who served both on the battlefront and at the home front.

Situated on a six-acre campus, the galleries within the five pavilions keep you engaged and informed through many exhibits, interactive concepts such as the Dog Tag Experience and first-person oral histories.

African American Military History Museum

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

African American Military History Museum in Hattiesburg, Mississippi photo personal collection

What once served as the East Sixth Street USO in the 1940s for African Americans stationed at Camp Shelby is now the African American Military History Museum.

The museum explores the extensive contributions of African Americans who served in the U.S. military. The exhibits encompass a wide range, from the Revolutionary War to the Buffalo Soldiers to the Global War on Terror.

Mississippi Armed Forces at Camp Shelby

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Mississippi Armed Forces Museum at Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg photo personal collection

About 12 miles south of Hattiesburg is the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum at Camp Shelby.

Honoring Mississippi servicemen and women of all branches and those trained in the state during war, the exhibits and objects share their stories.

Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee photo personal collection

What became known as the United States' highest military award for valor was first presented in Chattanooga for actions during the Civil War.

On March 25, 1863, Private Jacob Parrott was the first to be bestowed with the honor for his part in "The Great Locomotive Chase," which ended about 20 miles outside of the city.

So, it makes sense that the city is home to the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center, whose exhibits highlight the stories of those who exuded patriotism, citizenship, courage, integrity, sacrifice and commitment.

National Naval Aviation Museum

Pensacola, Florida

National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida photo personal collection

The world's largest naval aviation museum displays over 150 restored aircraft from the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aviation. Among the one-of-a-kind machines on view at the National Naval Aviation Museum are the NC-4 and Que Sera Sera. The West Wing highlights World War II carrier aviation. Don't miss the flight simulators and the chance to explore cockpit trainers.

Plan out your trip around the Blue Angels' (based at NAS Pensacola) practice schedule.

National Infantry and Soldier Museum

Columbus, Georgia

National Infantry and Soldier Museum in Columbus, Georgia photo personal collection

Fort Benning is home to the Infantry; therefore, it's reasonable that the National Infantry and Soldier Museum is just outside the gates of Fort Benning's United States Army Maneuver Center of Excellence.

Experience the "Last 100 Yards" at the museum from the Infantrymen's perspective. Realistic, life-size displays infused with technology depict significant battles in the Infantry's history.

National Civil War Naval Museum

Columbus, Georgia

The National Civil War Naval Museum in Columbus, Georgia photo personal collection

The National Civil War Naval Museum is home to the largest display of Civil War Naval Flags. It is the only museum in the world dedicated to educating the public on the naval story of the Civil War. 

Among its many exhibits is the cutter from the USS Hartford. This particular cutter possibly transported Admiral David Farragut, who is remembered for uttering the famous words, "damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead," at the Battle of Mobile Bay. 

Heritage Park Veterans Museum

McDonough, Georgia

Heritage Park Veterans Museum in McDonough, Georgia photo personal collection

Like other museums, the Heritage Park Veterans Museum is filled with memorabilia, photographs, equipment and more, ranging from World War I to the present. Unique items include an operable mule used during the Vietnam War and a Bensen gyrocopter.

However, what sets this museum apart from others is the personalization. Every item has a story behind it, and the veterans on staff are more than happy to share their stories and knowledge.

U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum

Fayetteville, North Carolina

U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville, North Carolina photo personal collection

From its early beginnings as the Test Platoon in 1940 to the Global War on Terrorism, learn how the American Airborne and Special Operations forces have evolved and adapted as the world changed throughout the decades.

The exhibits provide in-depth perspectives of soldiers' roles in wars and conflicts. An exhibit on civil unrest in the 1960s details the Airborne's involvement.