National Museum of the Marine Corps honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice by introducing two new galleries in Quantico, Virginia, just in time for the Marine Corps anniversary.
The exhibits, titled “Forward Deployed” and “Afghanistan and Iraq,” lead visitors on an emotional journey through the Marines’ history from the end of the Vietnam War to present-day engagements.
Spanning an impressive 20,000 square feet, these exhibits are a testament to the Marine Corps’ enduring legacy. Inside, artifacts from pivotal moments in U.S. history come alive, telling stories of courage and resilience.
Among the featured items is the M198 howitzer, a significant piece that fired the first shot in Operation Desert Storm, symbolizing a new era of military engagement. In stark contrast, visitors will also see an F/A-18 Hornet that patrolled the skies above Washington, D.C., in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, a reminder of the ongoing fight against terrorism.
For a tactile experience, the museum displays the Marine Corps berthing compartment from the U.S.S. Shreveport, allowing guests to step inside and imagine a Marine’s daily life.
These galleries stand as a profound tribute to the men and women who served between 1976 and 2021, particularly honoring the memory of 1,514 Marines who lost their lives serving in both Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. “These two new galleries pay tribute to those who served,” stated Lt. Gen. Benjamin Watson, commanding general of the training and education command, in an official release.
Through immersive experiences, the museum creates a compelling environment that brings history to life. A walk-through simulation of an Iraqi street scene places visitors right in the heart of past conflicts, compelling them to confront the realities faced by Marines on duty.
“They’re not just displays; they’re a powerful representation of the very best our nation has to offer, of selfless service and sacrifice,” continued Watson, encapsulating the ethos of the Marine Corps.
As the Marine Corps approaches its birthday on November 10, a date which marks the founding of the Continental Marines during the Revolutionary War, these new exhibits remind us of a rich legacy that continues to shape the nation. “As we approach the 250th anniversary of our beloved Corps, it’s fitting that the National Museum of the Marine Corps showcases our last fifty years of storied history,” Watson reflected.
On Sunday, October 6, the galleries welcomed a total of 1,258 visitors, each likely leaving with a deeper understanding of sacrifice and a renewed respect for the service that the Marine Corps epitomizes.
