21-04-2025
Greenville gears up to honor local war hero with Audie Murphy Day
Hunt County will pay tribute to one of its most celebrated sons on May 17 during the annual Audie Murphy Day.
The event honors the legacy of Audie Leon Murphy – the most decorated American combat soldier of World War II – and recognizes the contributions of all military veterans and those currently serving.
The daylong celebration is hosted by the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum in Greenville and features a full slate of activities, speakers and special presentations.
A native of Hunt County, Murphy was not only a war hero but also found success in Hollywood and as a songwriter. His remarkable life will be the focus of events held at two key locations in Greenville: Fletcher Warren Civic Center and the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum.
The morning's activities will take place at the civic center, located at 5501 Business Hwy 69 South. Highlights will include guest speaker Seth Paridon, host of The Unauthorized History of the Pacific War podcast, who will present 'The Drive to Victory: Admiral Nimitz's Island-Hopping Campaign & the Defeat of Japan.' Also speaking is author Terrance Furgerson, who will discuss wartime industry in his talk on 'The Dallas Story: The North American Aviation Plant and the Industrial Mobilization during WWII.'
Adding a Hollywood connection, actor Kent McCord – best known for his role in the TV series Adam-12 and a personal acquaintance of Murphy – will join a live Q&A via Zoom.
The celebration kicks off early, but the festivities begin the night before, on May 16. The classic Audie Murphy film 'Ride Clear of Diablo' will be screened at the Texan Theater at 2 p.m. and again at 7 p.m.
Afternoon and evening events on Saturday will move to the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum at 600 Interstate 30. While events at the civic center are free, regular museum admission rates will apply: $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and veterans and $3 for students.
The event is supported in part by the City of Greenville's hotel/motel occupancy tax revenues and the WWII History Roundtable – Audie Murphy Chapter.
For a complete schedule or more details, visit or call the museum at (903) 450-4502.
