As the National Museum of the Marine Corps approaches its first birthday on November 10, 2007, Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) will tour the facility for the first time this Thursday, October 11 at 2:30p.m. The senator and U.S. Marine will be hosted at the National Museum of the Marine Corps by Director Lin Ezell, Deputy Director Charles Grow and Marine Corps Heritage Foundation President LtGen. Ron Christmas. The tour will be open to the press and followed by remarks by Sen. Webb. Open just under a year, the Museum has quickly established itself as a major Virginia and Washington D.C. attraction, recently receiving its 550,000th visitor and breaking first year projections. Sen. Webb sponsored and spoke at a reception on Capitol Hill in late September hosted by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation honoring Marines and Senators John Glenn and Chuck Robb.
The Museum has established itself as a place for Marines to convene, share their experiences, celebrate their victories and honor their fallen. The Museum's commitment to preserving and sharing American history, including the iconic Iwo Jima flags, has also made it a valuable educational resource. It is responsible for collecting and preserving objects that represent Marine Corps history not only from 232 years ago, but also from 232 days ago, and from yesterday. In mid-September, the Museum displayed artifacts from the Global War on Terrorism including a RQ-2B pioneer aerial vehicle, used for real-time intelligence; a captured Al-Qaeda banner; and a warning sign from an attacked Humvee.
The Museum displays 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. The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation secured funds for the initial construction of the Museum and is currently securing funding for the completion of the Marine Corps Heritage Center and the National Museum of the Marine Corps and the enhancement of its education program.
WHO: Sen. Jim WebbWHAT: Tour the National Museum of the Marine CorpsWHEN: Thursday, October 11, 2007; 2:30p.m. tour; 3:30p.m. remarksWHERE: National Museum of the Marine Corps 18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy Triangle, VA 22172
For more information or media rsvp, please contact Chris Vassil at 202-414-0779 or cvassil@susandavis.com
