Public Programs

History Talks

From the Red Carpet to the Frontlines: Celebrities in the U.S. Army

Wednesday, September 3, 2025 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-Person
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Celebrities are more than entertainers – in some cases they are veterans.
From World War II to modern day, famous actors, musicians, and public figures have served in the Army before, during, or after their rise to fame. Elvis Presley, Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, and Ice T are just some of the many celebrities who have donned an Army uniform. Regardless of their celebrity status, all of these Soldiers showed commitment to duty, rose to meet new challenges, and sacrificed on behalf of their mission. In many cases, their military service influenced their life and career when they returned home.

In this History Talk, learn more about the commitment, challenges, and sacrifices of the many Hollywood Soldiers.

Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on September 3 at 12 p.m. ET.

Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on September 10 at 12 p.m. ET.

This program is offered virtual and in-person on Wednesday, September 17. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on September 17 at 12 p.m. ET.

Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on September 17 at 12 p.m. ET.


We The People: Native American Soldiers in World War I

Thursday, September 25, 2025 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-Person
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Generations of Americans have honorably served their country in the military. We the People celebrates Americans who have served, telling their stories, past, present, and future, because every Soldier has a story.

During World War I, nearly 12,000 Indigenous Soldiers served in the armed forces with distinction. Their actions to protect the nation focused attention on disparities among Indigenous Americans and paved the way for all Indigenous people to enjoy the promise of American citizenship.

Learn how their actions, along with thousands of American Soldiers, contributed to the Allied victory.

Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on September 25 at 12 p.m. ET.

Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on September 25 at 12 p.m. ET.


Battle Marks: Soldier Graffiti and the U.S. Army

Wednesday, October 1, 2025 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual
Wednesday, October 15 , 2025 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-Person
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During World War II, the drawing of a man with a long nose peeking over something accompanied by the words “Kilroy was here” surfaced on ships, vehicles, walls, and even enemy territory. The image spread to wherever American Soldiers were stationed in both the European and Pacific Theaters of Operations. Its prevalence came to symbolize the presence, perseverance, and commitment of the American military during the conflict.

Kilroy wasn’t the first nor the last example of Soldier graffiti. Soldiers have left their mark in various forms on furniture, equipment, and walls since the Revolutionary War. Their messages capture the basic human need to mark their existence and connect with others. Today, their messages serve as poignant reminders of their sacrifices and commitment to their country.

In this History Talk, explore the realities of wartime life and service through the lens of Soldier graffiti. Discover how their artwork offers an unfiltered window into the realities of wartime life and reflects broader themes of identity, resistance, and remembrance.

Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on October 1 at 12 p.m. ET.

Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on October 8 at 12 p.m. ET.

This program is offered virtual and in-person on Wednesday, September 17. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on October 15 at 12 p.m. ET.

Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on October 15 at 12 p.m. ET.


We The People: Buffalo Soldiers on the American Frontier

Thursday, October 30, 2025 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-Person

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Generations of Americans have honorably served their country in the military. We the People celebrates Americans who have served, telling their stories, past, present, and future, because every Soldier has a story.

On July 28, 1866, a Congressional Act created six new regiments of all-Black enlisted men who would become known as the “Buffalo Soldiers.” These Soldiers played a decisive role in the U.S Army on the western frontier.

Learn how their actions contributed to the settlement of the American frontier.

Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on October 30 at 12 p.m. ET.

Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on October 30 at 12 p.m. ET.


Tails of Valor: Animals in the U.S. Army

Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual
Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual
Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-Person

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Since the Army’s founding, animals have been a part of the Soldier’s experience in times of both war and peace. Animals have been used during mounted attacks, as transportation, for communication, and for bomb and other hazardous detection.

Not only have animals played key roles as warriors and workers, but they’ve also served as companions and mascots. Whether a dog, horse, bird, bear, or some other creature, animals provide much-needed distraction, comfort, and companionship, and have even been considered bearers of good luck.

In this History Talk, explore the service of animals in the U.S. Army and the timeless and enduring relationship between Soldiers and animals.

Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on Nov. 5 at 12 p.m. ET.

Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on Nov.12 at 12 p.m. ET.

This program is offered virtually and in-person on Wednesday, Nov. 19. In-person seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. 

Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on Nov. 19 at 12 p.m. ET.

Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on Nov. 19 at 12 p.m. ET.


We The People: The Borinqueneers

Thursday, November 20, 2025 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-Person

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Generations of Americans have honorably served their country in the military. We the People celebrates Americans who have served, telling their stories, past, present, and future, because every Soldier has a story.

In 2016, the 65th Infantry Regiment, nicknamed the “Borinqueneers,” received the Congressional Gold Medal for the contributions “made by hundreds of thousands of brave and patriotic United States citizens from Puerto Rico” who served the U.S. Army “from World War I to the most recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.” Explore the commitment, challenges, and bravery of the Borinqueneers from their early roots through the Korean War.

Learn how their actions, along with those of thousands of other Army Soldiers, contributed to the Army’s mission.

Register for the VIRTUAL History Talk on November 20 at 12 p.m. ET.

Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on November 20 at 12 p.m. ET.


We The People: Filipino Soldiers in World War II

Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual and In-Person

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Generations of Americans have honorably served their country in the military. We the People celebrates Americans who have served, telling their stories, past, present, and future, because every Soldier has a story.

During World War II, over 250,000 Filipino Soldiers fought under the American flag to protect and defend the United States. Filipinos fought alongside and as an integral part of the U.S. Armed Forces in a dual mission to protect and defend the Philippines while also liberating and defending U.S. territories. These Soldiers served in different capacities – the Philippine Commonwealth Army, the Philippine Scouts, the guerrilla movement, and the Regular U.S. Army – all with a common mission. Together, their service was instrumental in the liberation of the Philippines and the eventual surrender of the Japanese Army in 1945.

Learn how their actions, along with thousands of other Army Soldiers, contributed to the Allied victory in the Pacific.

Register for the IN-PERSON History Talk on December 18 at 12 p.m. ET.


Explore Past History Talks