Learn about Oklahoma's storied military history at museums across the state

Dino Lalli
·3 min read
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The 45th Infantry Division Museum walks visitors through the history of one of the most storied fighting units. The 45th Infantry Division was mobilized in 1923 and was active through 1988.
The 45th Infantry Division Museum walks visitors through the history of one of the most storied fighting units. The 45th Infantry Division was mobilized in 1923 and was active through 1988.

We just paid our respects to those who have served in the military by way of Veterans Day. Thanksgiving is right in front of us. While driving by the 45th Infantry Division Museum in Oklahoma City recently, I was reminded of how thankful we are for those who do serve.

As part of my prayer life, I give thanks for a number of things daily, and like so many others, I am thankful for my family and for good health, but I want to take a moment and give thanks to our veterans and to remind everyone that there are some wonderful museums across the state that celebrate our military history.

Having been to the 45th Infantry Division Museum, 2145 NE 36 in Oklahoma City, many times over the years, I always consider it such an honor just to walk through the doors as I feel it is always the beginning of a fascinating journey through the history of an incredible fighting unit.

Thunderbird Park at the 45th Infantry Division Museum in Oklahoma City displays military equipment, including wheeled vehicles, full track vehicles, tanks, aircraft and large guns.
Thunderbird Park at the 45th Infantry Division Museum in Oklahoma City displays military equipment, including wheeled vehicles, full track vehicles, tanks, aircraft and large guns.

The 45th Infantry Division was mobilized in 1923 and was active through 1988. And it became one of the most storied units in history. And you end up taking away a better appreciation of what our fellow citizens have done to preserve our freedom.

Another favorite destination of mine when it comes to military history is the 99s Museum of Women Pilots at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City.

This museum was designed specifically to tell the story of the 99, a group of international female pilots, as well as convey the history of women in aviation from the beginnings about 1911 when women first started getting their pilots license right up to present day.

The 99s Museum of Women Pilots tells the story of the 99, a group of international female pilots, and conveys the history of women in aviation from about 1911 up to present day.
The 99s Museum of Women Pilots tells the story of the 99, a group of international female pilots, and conveys the history of women in aviation from about 1911 up to present day.

The museum presents the captivating story through the years up to and including how women play a vital and important part in today’s space program.

The Fort Sill National Historical Landmark and Museum in Lawton is an impressive spot to come and learn about the history of not only Fort Sill, but also our state’s role in the Southwest region’s history.

The history of Fort Sill is not just about the history of the Army or Fort Sill.

It is about the history of Oklahoma, the history of the tribes and the history of the settlement. Consisting of the original buildings of Fort Sill, visitors can see what it was like on the fort in the late 1800s.

From 1869 to 1875, the original structures were built by hand, primarily by the Buffalo soldiers of the 10th Cavalry.

The U.S. Army Artillery Museum, part of the Fort Sill National Historical Landmark and Museum complex in Lawton, tells the story of the artillery from 1775 to the present with over 70 guns and artillery pieces and numerous other artifacts.
The U.S. Army Artillery Museum, part of the Fort Sill National Historical Landmark and Museum complex in Lawton, tells the story of the artillery from 1775 to the present with over 70 guns and artillery pieces and numerous other artifacts.

Retired Army Gen. Tommy Franks was born in Wynnewood, Oklahoma. As the commander in chief of Central Command, he led U.S. forces in the overthrow of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and of Saddam Hussein in Iraq.

Founded in 2008, the Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum in Hobart was created essentially from Gen. Franks and his wife's desire to construct a historical foundation and to invest in the next generation of leaders.

The museum itself is set up chronologically as it documents Gen. Frank’s life, but there is more to it than that. The goal is to tell the history of the U.S. military through the lens of individual service members, and one of those service members is Gen. Franks.

The goal of the Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum in Hobart to tell the history of the U.S. military through the lens of individual service members, including Oklahoma-born Gen. Tommy Franks.
The goal of the Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum in Hobart to tell the history of the U.S. military through the lens of individual service members, including Oklahoma-born Gen. Tommy Franks.

More:Biography and military career of Gen. Tommy Franks

On the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation’s website, Travelok.com, you can read more about other places to visit titled “Military History & Heritage in Oklahoma.”

I want to wish everyone a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving and remember to count your blessings and remember what you have to be thankful for every single day.

More:Asthma cigs, whiskey prescriptions? State's drug store history on display at Guthrie museum

Dino Lalli is the co-host and one of the feature reporters for the weekly television travel show "Discover Oklahoma."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Discover Oklahoma: Military history on display at museums across state