thedrifter
05-24-09, 08:45 AM
History of Marine Corps on display at new museum
Sunday, May 24, 2009
For all Americans, our thoughts and prayers are with the members of the armed services stationed around the globe. The heroic story of one of the elite branches of the U.S. military — the Marine Corps — has been put on permanent and marvelous display in the National Museum of the Marine Corps.
Marine Corps history is featured in a new state of the art museum and research study center located on a 135-acre site adjacent to the U.S. Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Va.
Humble beginnings
Interestingly, the birthplace of the Marines was actually a pub located in Philadelphia, called Tun Tavern. Legend has it that Capt. Samuel Nicholas began recruiting Marines in Tun Tavern on Nov. 10, 1775. Early in America's history, the Second Continental Congress decided to raise two battalions of Marines. By 1798, an official act of Congress actually created the U.S. Marine Corps.
Post-modern marvel
The museum's architecture rivals that of major national museums and its collections span the story of the U.S. Marine Corps. The post-modern attention to detail and interest in regionalism all work in tandem in this new military museum destination.
Designed by the architectural firm of Fentress Bradburn, the National Museum of the Marine Corps is stunningly visible from Interstate 95. About 20 miles from Washington, D.C., the Marine Corps museum's architectural centerpiece ascends 210 feet high at its pinnacle.
It is a dramatic glass and steel structure inspired
by the world-famous image of a group of Marines raising the American flag over Iwo Jima during World War II.
Based on the composition of Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal's famous photograph, the overall form of the museum immediately reminds visitors of the struggle, sacrifice, and success of the Marines throughout history.
The USMC museum reflects the dedication of the Marines and highlights the Corps' rich history. The main entrance plaza stirs memories of approaching a beachhead from military watercraft, the interior skylight space feels like a military ship's interior, and the exhibition galleries use interactive signage, audio/video, and lasers to simulate the Marine experience from boot camp to tour of duty.
Some of the impressive military objects on display include the first and second American flags raised on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima, in February of 1945, an F4U Corsair fighter aircraft like those flown by Marines in the Pacific during World War II, and a leatherneck stock worn around the necks of 18th century Marines to protect from sword slashes of the throat. "Leatherneck" remains the modern day nickname for Marines.
Beyond measure
After visiting the National Museum of the Marine Corps, it is my opinion that this new museum will quickly become the barometer by which all other major contemporary American military history museums will be measured. This American history museum is a tribute to our brave Marines and a "must-see" tourist destination.
This new museum stands sentinel as a vastly important history and learning center, breathtaking exhibition and preservation space, and a humbling site to behold.
An antiques appraiser and award-winning TV personality and talk show host, Dr. Lori presents antiques appraisal events nationwide. Attend Dr. Lori's antiques appraisal event at Glen Mills Senior Living Center in Glen Mills on June 27 at 11 a.m. Watch Dr. Lori across the country on the Fine Living Network's "Worth Every Penny" and on "Daytime." Visit www.DrLoriV.com or call (888) 431-1010.
Ellie
http://images.townnews.com/pottsmerc.com/content/articles/2009/05/24/life/srv00000053857301.jpg
http://images.townnews.com/pottsmerc.com/content/articles/2009/05/24/life/srv0000005385730.jpg
Sunday, May 24, 2009
For all Americans, our thoughts and prayers are with the members of the armed services stationed around the globe. The heroic story of one of the elite branches of the U.S. military — the Marine Corps — has been put on permanent and marvelous display in the National Museum of the Marine Corps.
Marine Corps history is featured in a new state of the art museum and research study center located on a 135-acre site adjacent to the U.S. Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Va.
Humble beginnings
Interestingly, the birthplace of the Marines was actually a pub located in Philadelphia, called Tun Tavern. Legend has it that Capt. Samuel Nicholas began recruiting Marines in Tun Tavern on Nov. 10, 1775. Early in America's history, the Second Continental Congress decided to raise two battalions of Marines. By 1798, an official act of Congress actually created the U.S. Marine Corps.
Post-modern marvel
The museum's architecture rivals that of major national museums and its collections span the story of the U.S. Marine Corps. The post-modern attention to detail and interest in regionalism all work in tandem in this new military museum destination.
Designed by the architectural firm of Fentress Bradburn, the National Museum of the Marine Corps is stunningly visible from Interstate 95. About 20 miles from Washington, D.C., the Marine Corps museum's architectural centerpiece ascends 210 feet high at its pinnacle.
It is a dramatic glass and steel structure inspired
by the world-famous image of a group of Marines raising the American flag over Iwo Jima during World War II.
Based on the composition of Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal's famous photograph, the overall form of the museum immediately reminds visitors of the struggle, sacrifice, and success of the Marines throughout history.
The USMC museum reflects the dedication of the Marines and highlights the Corps' rich history. The main entrance plaza stirs memories of approaching a beachhead from military watercraft, the interior skylight space feels like a military ship's interior, and the exhibition galleries use interactive signage, audio/video, and lasers to simulate the Marine experience from boot camp to tour of duty.
Some of the impressive military objects on display include the first and second American flags raised on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima, in February of 1945, an F4U Corsair fighter aircraft like those flown by Marines in the Pacific during World War II, and a leatherneck stock worn around the necks of 18th century Marines to protect from sword slashes of the throat. "Leatherneck" remains the modern day nickname for Marines.
Beyond measure
After visiting the National Museum of the Marine Corps, it is my opinion that this new museum will quickly become the barometer by which all other major contemporary American military history museums will be measured. This American history museum is a tribute to our brave Marines and a "must-see" tourist destination.
This new museum stands sentinel as a vastly important history and learning center, breathtaking exhibition and preservation space, and a humbling site to behold.
An antiques appraiser and award-winning TV personality and talk show host, Dr. Lori presents antiques appraisal events nationwide. Attend Dr. Lori's antiques appraisal event at Glen Mills Senior Living Center in Glen Mills on June 27 at 11 a.m. Watch Dr. Lori across the country on the Fine Living Network's "Worth Every Penny" and on "Daytime." Visit www.DrLoriV.com or call (888) 431-1010.
Ellie
http://images.townnews.com/pottsmerc.com/content/articles/2009/05/24/life/srv00000053857301.jpg
http://images.townnews.com/pottsmerc.com/content/articles/2009/05/24/life/srv0000005385730.jpg