Audie Murphy Days kicks off May 17 in Greenville
By Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum
May 16, 2013
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GREENVILLE, Texas - To honor and remember our nation’s military heroes, Audie Murphy Days will kick off Friday, May 17.  The annual two day event, which is free and open to the public, is hosted by the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum in conjunction with local military service organizations to celebrate Audie Leon Murphy, the most decorated soldier of World War II, as well as military veterans and those currently serving our country.

Audie Murphy Days, May 17th and 18th, centers on Audie Murphy, a native son of Hunt County, war hero, Hollywood film star and accomplished songwriter.  This year’s events will consist of a variety of speakers, displays and entertainment.  Noted speakers include Staff Sgt. Eric Slough, the only member of the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club from Hunt County, retired Lt. Col. Don Houk who will be doing a first person interpretation of General James “Jimmy” Doolittle of WWII and historian Trace Chinworth who will be speaking about women in the military. 

Saturday morning will be a “USO” show led by local personality Stacy Foley.  There will be wonderful entertainment by the Greenville Flaming Flashes, the Bonham Jazz Band and Trombonium Sinfonium, a unique blend of brass and rhythm.  They were the only community group invited to perform at the Music Educators National Convention in Dallas in 2003 and at the International Tuba/Euphonium Symposium at Baylor University in 2011. 

Friday’s events will be held at the Civic Center at 5501 Hwy 69 South in Greenville beginning at 9:00 a.m. and will close the evening with Audie Bingo and a concert by local favorite Mark Wright.  Mark is a cowboy, a poet, a singer and a soldier who will make you feel good about America and the patriots who have sacrificed so much in the name of freedom.  The concert (dinner is included) is one of the few events that are not free.  Tickets are now on sale and cost $12 for adults/$5 for children 5-12 yrs. old.  Saturday’s events will begin at the Civic Center at 9:00 a.m. and will move to the Museum located at 600 I-30 East in Greenville in the afternoon.   A regular admission charge of $6 adults, $4 seniors and $2 students will apply to enter the Museum.  Re-admittance for the weekend into the Museum will be free.  These are just some of the activities taking place.  Contact the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum at (903) 450-4502 or visit the website at www.cottonmuseum.com for additional information.  Funding for this event is provided in part by the City of Greenville Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax.