The First Gulf War: The War to Free Kuwait features eight informational panels, filled with photographs, recounting the conflict that began when dictator Saddam Hussein attacked Kuwait on August 2, 1990. The resulting conflict became known as the Persian Gulf War of 1990–1991, when the United States led a coalition of nations in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm to oust Iraqi forces that had invaded Kuwait. The First Gulf War highlights Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, weapons of the Gulf War, and the liberation of Kuwait.

In addition, the exhibit recognizes numerous units from North Carolina that played important roles in the Persian Gulf War. These range from Fort Bragg (now Liberty) to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, along with several National Guard and Reserve facilities. The exhibit’s final panel, titled “The Cost of War,” acknowledges 17 service members from North Carolina who made the ultimate sacrifice.  The NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and the NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs express our gratitude to the NC Persian Gulf War Memorial Commission and the NC Desert Storm Memorial Foundation for their instrumental roles in the creation of this memorial exhibit.

The Government of the State of Kuwait funded the exhibit to honor the 75,000 men and women, and their units, stationed in North Carolina, who served and sacrificed to liberate Kuwait.

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