Aggie war exhibit to find local homes starting in late 2016
An exhibition showcasing the service of Texas A&M graduates in World War II that has been in Belgium will make its way into local venues starting at the end of this year.
In December 2014, the "Texas Aggies Go To War" exhibit opened in Bastogne as part of the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. The extensive honoring of American service -- in particular, five Aggies -- is due to close in August.
Now, the exhibit funded by local and Belgian groups has an announced, partial plan for when it makes its way to Aggieland.
According to the Research Valley Partnership, starting in November, a preview of "Aggies Go To War" will be in the Memorial Student Center at A&M. That will last for about a month.
During that displaying, a Belgian trade mission to Texas will be led by Princess Astrid. It will include a visit to the area and a viewing of the exhibit.
From there, a larger version of the exhibit will go on display in the Stark Gallery at the MSC starting in the fall of 2017.
After that, the RVP says there will be additional presentations of "Aggies Go To War," followed eventually by a permanent, full-scale display in a location to be determined.
A new, non-profit group called "From Bastogne to Texas" has been formed to work on the displaying of the exhibit. Fundraising is underway.
Donations can be made by mailing them to:
From Bastogne to Texas
P.O. Box 794
College Station, TX 77841-0794
An application has been filed to the IRS for tax exempt status for the non-profit. Any donations made while that application is pending will become tax deductible if and when the IRS gives final approval.
The RVP also notes naming opportunities and sponsorships for the exhibit are available.
In addition to the RVP, funding of the exhibit was provided by the Texas A&M University System, the Cities of Bryan and College Station, the City of Bastogne, and the economic development agency for the Wallonia region of Belgium, Idelux.