Semper Fi

It's hard to miss the unusual structure on the east side of the freeway as you're headed north on I-95 near Quantico, VA (about 40 miles south of DC).  We've driven by it many times on our way to/from other carpe diem adventures, always in too big a hurry to stop.

The National Museum of the Marine Corps opened in 2006 and serves as a tribute to Marines, past, present and future.  Its design is meant to bring to mind the brave Marines who raised the flag on Iwo Jima.

Replica of Iwo Jima near the museum

Even though our colors fly blue and gold now, the hubs still bleeds scarlet and gold ("Once a Marine, Always a Marine"), so it was especially meaningful for him to get to spend time there.

These pictures don't do the place justice, but if you get a chance to go, be prepared to be blown away from the moment you walk through the doors.

Soaring atrium in the entrance to the museum

Planes from all eras on display

We have seen a lot of aviation and military museums, but I was overwhelmed by the quality of the exhibitry and the sheer volume of information conveyed.  It starts with the birth of the Marine Corps at Tun Tavern in 1775 and takes visitors through Vietnam.  

Early battle flag of the Marines

Ironclad in the Civil War era

Drum major for the President's Own (the Marine Corps Band)

World War I Marine aviation

Young Marine aviator

Young Marine in the War of 1812

Very lifelike!  

Marine anti-tank gun with crew

Vietnam-era M50 Ontos ("Thing") Tank Destroyer

The motto of the US Marine Corps is "Semper Fidelis" or "Semper Fi" (always faithful).  When the nation has called, the Marines have gone, to every clime and place (such as China during the Boxer Rebellion, or the Barbary Coast or, more recently, Iraq and Afghanistan).

The museum will begin construction of its final phase starting early next year, teaching visitors about the Marines' role in present day conflicts.  Go and see this museum if you get the opportunity, and God bless the Marines!