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Contributed commentary from veteran Marie Pauley on the Tennessee Wings of Liberty Tennessee Museum:
Despite the impressive 50,000-square-foot development of the Wings of Liberty Museum in Clarksville, a glaring absence of women – across all backgrounds – speaks volumes about how diversity, equity and inclusion efforts have faltered in this project.
As a retired veteran, I was eager to visit, hoping to see a full narrative of Fort Campbell’s history. Yet, while the museum honors the soldiers, the representation of women and those from other cultures was almost nonexistent. I stood in the gallery, facing the staff, and stated aloud, “This entire space is tailored towards white men,” and I meant it.
By centering primarily on white, male soldiers, the museum risks erasing the vital contributions of all those who served and who have shaped the Clarksville community! Example: Command Sgt. Maj. Sidney R. Brown, WACs from Post 47 of Clarksville, Black Paratroopers, etc.
If we honor history fully, we must see all those who stood and served, not just a select few!
Marie Pauley
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