Sense of Duty
The tradition of military service runs deep in Mississippi. More than 20,000 men and women in Mississippi serve in the military on active duty or as civilian personnel. Another 17,000 are members of National Guard units or reserves in the US Armed Forces.
Mississippians have served throughout the state’s history. Even before statehood, militiamen fought for the United States in the War of 1812. Mississippians—Black and White—shed blood during the Civil War. Hundreds of thousands of Mississippians served in World Wars I and II. Men and women defended the US in Korea, Vietnam, and the global War on Terrorism. This gallery honors the military service of Mississippians past and present.
From the Gallery
Explore artifacts, photos, and documents featured in the Sense of Duty gallery.
Explore Mississippi
Journey beyond the museum walls and explore the places where history happened and is preserved.
African American Military History Museum
The only remaining United Services Organization (USO) site constructed for African American soldiers
305 East 6th Street
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Camp Van Dorn World War II Museum
This training camp for soldiers is located in Centreville, Mississippi.
138 E Main Street
Centreville, Mississippi
VISIT THE MISSISSIPPI CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM
Explore the movement that changed the nation. Discover stories of Mississippians like Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Vernon Dahmer, as well as those who traveled many miles to stand beside them, come what may, in the name of equal rights for all.