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A visit to the National Museum of the Marine Corps
Dramatic architecture of the National Museum of the Marine Corps [Photograph by Ron Cogswell]Washington, DC is known for its many monuments and the Smithsonian museums. A short (or long depending on traffic!) drive south on I-95 will bring you to the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, VA. In my opinion, it is worth the drive. The building itself can be seen from the interstate and is very cool looking. According to the museum website, “the Museum’s soaring design evokes the image of the flag-raisers of Iwo Jima.” I agree.
You can see this spire of the museum from I-95.
Now that we’ve arrived, let’s go inside.
Inside the Museum
The center atrium (below those windows surrounding the spire) is flooded with light. Two large displays feature prominently and draw you in.
A display in the main entrance central atrium.Another display in the main entrance central atrium.
There is a motivational video playing every 15 minutes or so to get things started. Once you exit the theater, you will be ready to enter the exhibits. Making Marines will be on your right as you enter. Be sure to go through this exhibit. For some reason I thought we would circle back around to this in the end so we ended up not seeing this exhibit this time. (You can go back to see it but by the time we finished going through, we were tired and the kids were ready to leave so we didn’t go back.) Learn from our mistake!
Follow the history of the Marine Corps
The exhibits follow the Marines from the beginning, in the Revolutionary War, to the current day. A docent at the information desk told me that each mannequin at the museum is a model of an actual Marine.
The first armored carWar efforts were promoted in publications of the day.Medic truck from WWIWriters work in difficult conditions sometimes…An anti-aircraft gun used in WWIILoading ammo. The display mannequins are quite detailed. This Marine has sweat running down his back.Women Marines – toughest ladies around!Each EGA represents one death during the assault on Iwo Jima in February 1945. When standing at this angle you can also see the outline of Mount Suribachi, the highest point on the island. The iconic flag raising happened here.I have always thought the Navajo code-talkers were fascinating.Freezing in Korea. They have this room closed and chilled to add to the atmosphere. It was 25 degrees below zero at Chosin in the coldest winter in 100 years.Checking out the inside of an amphibious landing craft.This is a replica of a box used for solitary confinement of POWs. How awful it would be to be stuck in that small box!Dogs have been helping the military for many years.Experiencing a helo landing in Vietnam
This was just a small sampling of the museum. It is well put together – full of good information and engaging displays. Want even more sneak peeks of what you will find there? Check this photo album by Ron Cogswell. A virtual tour is also available on the museum website. I have been to a few different military museums around the country. This one offers a deluxe, comprehensive look at the US Marine Corps. Have I mentioned yet that I think you should visit, because you should!
Outside the museum
If the weather is nice, enjoy a walk through the gardens featuring several sculptures. Official events such as retirement or re-enlistment ceremonies are often held in the garden or inside in the central atrium.
We celebrated Ron’s promotion at the museum in 2010. There is a lovely walking path outside the museum with several sculptures, perfect for such an occasion.
Finally I will leave you with these words of truth…
Very important, very true words [Photograph by Ron Cogswell]This is a must-see museum if you are in the DC area.
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Hi! I’m Sheila - a wife, mom to 3, and favorite human of a slightly-neurotic dog. I’m laid-back, sometimes scattered, a little curious, love to laugh, and always up for a fun road trip. Be amazed! Be inspired! Let's share the joy of discovery together.
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