Press Release Source: National Museum of the Marine Corps


National Museum of the Marine Corps Honors Today's Heroes
Tuesday September 11, 10:46 am ET

For First Time Museum Displays Artifacts from Global War on Terrorism; Includes Captured Al-Qaeda Banner

QUANTICO, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The National Museum of the Marine Corps will honor today's Marines by displaying for the first time new artifacts from the Global War on Terrorism. Artifacts include a 16-ft. RQ-2B pioneer aerial vehicle, used for real-time intelligence of the battlefield; a Dragon Eye Mini-UAV, used for intelligence in urban or close-quarters combat situations; a captured Al-Qaeda banner used in insurgent videos; a warning sign from an attacked Humvee; a Marine Pattern uniform worn in Iraq by a Navy Cross recipient; and a flight suit worn while serving combat tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Artifacts will go on display September 13, 2007 and will remain on display until the Museum closes on Friday, September 14; the RQ-2B pioneer will be hung in permanent display in late September. Director Lin Ezell, Museum curators, as well as Marines from the field will be on hand to speak with the media.

The Museum will also unveil two new exhibits on the Global War on Terrorism. "Faces of War" and "One Team - One Fight" features the photography of Marines on assignment in the battlefield. Combat artist Warrant Officer Michael Fay will be on hand exhibiting his work created from his experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Recently receiving its 500,000th visitor, the National Museum of the Marine Corps has quickly become a major D.C. area attraction in its first ten months open to the public. The Museum's commitment to preserving and sharing American history, including the iconic Iwo Jima flags, has also made it a valuable educational resource with over 1,000 artifacts including tanks, aircraft, small arms, uniforms, and over 1,800 photographs, letters and illustrations. Interactive and immersive experiences allow guests to travel along the frozen TokTong Pass in Korea amidst enemy troops, disembark a helicopter into the landing zone atop Hill 881 South in Vietnam, and experience American history through the eyes of Marines.
WHAT: First Display of Artifacts from Global War on Terror
Unveiling of New Global War on Terror Exhibit
Presentation of combat art by artist Michael Fay

WHEN: September 13, 2007; 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: National Museum of the Marine Corps
18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy
Triangle, VA 22172

MEDIA NOTES: To attend this media opportunity, contact Chris Vassil at
202-414-0779, cvassil@susandavis.com.


Contact:
National Museum of the Marine Corps
Chris Vassil, 202-414-0779

Ellie