The Military Heritage Center exists to champion the values of leadership, excellence and selfless service. It is grounded in the core values of Texas A&M University. These values not only guide Aggies but also define generations of Americans who have served and protected our country. MHC’s mission is to create and present creative, engaging and educational exhibits that bring to life stories of real people whose actions have embodied these values.

Future Location and Exhibits

Leadership

The exhibit From Texas to Bastogne: Texas Aggies Go to War was created by Tempora, an internationally renowned designer of educational exhibits and cultural experiences. The exhibit premiered in December 2014 in Bastogne, Belgium as part of ceremonies commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. The life stories of five former students of Texas A&M were used to weave a story that not only imparts the historical significance of the Battle of Bulge, but also honors the contributions of all American citizen soldiers. The Bastogne exhibit, and future exhibits which will be presented by the Military Heritage Center, will share inspiring stores of leadership, excellence and selfless service.

From Texas to Bastogne: Texas Aggies Go To War Bastogne, Belgium—December 12, 2014-June 30, 2016

In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, the newly renovated Bastogne War Museum opened the exhibit From Bastogne to Texas in December 2014. This exhibit tells the story of five former students of Texas A&M University who each had a role in the pivotal battle which led to the Allied victory in Europe. These five—James Hollingsworth ‘40, Turney Leonard ‘42, Willie Peña ‘42, Joe Routt ’37 and Earl Rudder ’32 —are representative not only of all Aggies, but all Americans, who served in World War II. Through them a story is told of dedication, sacrifice, reconciliation, healing, and deep ties, both personal and economic, between people an ocean apart.

From Bastogne to Texas: Texas Aggies Go To War College Station—November 11 to December 18, 2016

Upon completion of its 18 month stay in Bastogne, the exhibit came to Texas with a Preview Exhibit on display on the Texas A&M campus in the Memorial Student Center Veterans Lounge.

This preview coincided with the Belgian Royal Trade Mission to Texas led by HRH Princess Astrid. During her visit to Texas A&M, Princess Astrid visited the Preview Exhibit and made a special presentation to Willie Peña ’42, one of the five Aggies whose story is told in the exhibit. The Belgian Princess presented Peña with her country’s second highest order of Chivalry, the Commander in the Order of the Crown