The Animal Called POW: U.S. Special Forces Prisoners of the Vietcong.

On February 8, 2012, the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville, North Carolina will open its new temporary exhibit, "'The Animal Called POW': U.S. Special Forces Prisoners of the Vietcong."   The exhibit will feature U.S. Army Special Forces and MACV prisoners of war held in South Vietnam, as well as attempted rescue missions, current SERE training, and modern POW stories. The exhibit will close on January 6, 2013.

Queen Anne’s Revenge (QAR)

Cache from Blackbeard's Ship has Docked at the Museum of the Cape Fear

A case exhibit of artifacts from the wreck Queen Anne’s Revenge (QAR), (www.qaronline.org) Blackbeard’s flagship, will be on display at the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex from March 10 through May 31. The exhibit originated at the N.C. Maritime Museum in Beaufort, the official repository for the shipwreck artifacts, within the Division of State History Museums, NC Dept. of Cultural Resources.

The artifacts displayed are examples of the variety found at the shipwreck. The exhibit includes iron shot for cannon, small caliber lead shot for firearms, a grinding stone used for sharpening tools and weapons, a small piece of gold, and several other items that were aboard Blackbeard’s ship. Exhibit panels offer information on Blackbeard, the QAR, the QAR project, underwater archaeology, and the conservation of artifacts.

Originally, Queen Anne’s Revenge was a slave ship called La Concorde, owned by a French merchant. Capable of carrying 516 slaves, Blackbeard captured La Concorde in November 1717. In June 1718, the frigate QAR and the sloop Adventure ran aground in what is now Beaufort Inlet.

This wreck was located in November 1996 by Intersal, Inc. with information provided to Operations Director Mike Daniel by company president Phil Masters. The N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, Office of State Archaeology began underwater excavations at the site in 1997, and has lead the research on this shipwreck.

The exhibit is open for viewing during the museum’s regular operating hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm; Sunday 1:00 to 5:00 pm. Admission is free. Visitors are encouraged to “Like” and check our Facebook page for dates and times regarding special events and programs that will coincide with the special exhibit. 

Fascinate-U Children's Museum

Offering 1/2 price admission to all military families, and free admission to families of deployed soldiers.  In addition, children can make Blue Star flags.

War of 1812 Special Exhibit

In commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, we will open “Fayetteville and Cumberland County in the War of 1812” on May 1. This exhibit will highlight the military, political, and social history of the era. National events such as the inspiration for our National Anthem, the burning of the White House, and Battle of New Orleans will set the stage for events affecting North Carolina. Learn about the state’s defense measures and the British invasion along our coast. Explore the weapons and tactics of Napoleonic warfare and gain a greater understanding of the war’s impact on the home front in Fayetteville and the surrounding area.

5th Annual Field of Honor

The 2012 NC Field of Honor will fly May 12-June 30. The Opening Dedication Ceremony takes place on Saturday, May 12 at 11:00 am at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum.

The Fayetteville Downtown Alliance will again host the NC Field of Honor, a living display of heroism that flies as a patriotic tribute to the strength and unity of Americans.

Each flag honors someone who is currently serving, those who have served, and the men and women who have made the supreme sacrifice for our nation's security and freedom. Each flag comes with its own story and displays a large yellow ribbon identifying the person who sponsored the flag and the flag honoree.

Hundreds of American flags will fly on the parade grounds of the the Airborne and Special Operations Museum (ASOM), located in downtown Fayetteville. Proceeds from NC Field of Honor flag sales benefit the Airborne and Special Operations Museum Foundation.

The Fayetteville Downtown Alliance and the Airborne & Special Operations Museum offer the Field of Honor to our community, to Fayetteville, to North Carolina, and the world.

The Field of Honor is the perfect opportunity for all of us to unite as a community to remember and honor our military heroes. We invite you to join us and walk the Field of Honor.

ALL GAVE SOME. SOME GAVE ALL.

Fourth Friday

4th Friday is a true celebration of the arts and downtown. Folks of all ages get a taste of Fayetteville's art and entertainment while enjoying the small galleries, bookstores, bistros and shops with unique items for shoppers. It’s safe, it's fun ... and it's free! 

Exhibits, entertainment, refreshments and featured artists all combine to bring the art of Fayetteville to everyone – free of charge! Businesses in the four and a half block of historic downtown Fayetteville join the action and become artistic venues on 4th Friday, featuring the arts in all forms, for all ages.

Families love it. Seniors love it. Teens love it. Arts supporters love it. And once you've been to a 4th Friday, you'll love it too. So what are you waiting for? Join us on 4th Friday! 

Bugle Friday

An Army Ground Forces Band bugler will play "Retreat" and "To the Colors" as a show of solidarity with Fort Bragg to kick off May's Fourth Friday.

Will take place at the flag pole in front of the Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitor's Bureau.

Tribute to Fayetteville Revolutionary War Fifers

Forces Command Band will perform a concert of patriotic music as a tribute to Isaac Hammond and Isham Blake. At the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry Parade Grounds on Cool Spring Street. Concert Starts at 10 am.

Following the concert, docents will offer tours of Cool Spring Tavern and Cross Creek Cemetery.

Spring Lake Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony

Spring Lake hosts a Memorial Day Parade and ceremony.  A ceremony immediately follows the parade at Veterans Park, on the corner of Ruth & Main.

Memorial Day Ceremony

Sponsored by Freedom Memorial Park 

Memorial Day is a day of rememberance for those that have died in the nation's military service. A special ceremony at Freedom Memorial Park honors those that have paid the supreme sacrifice and the families who lost loved ones.