QUANTICO — Marines travel from all over the world to experience it.
On Wednesday, it was 12-year-old Malachi’s first trip to the National Museum of the Marine Corps at Quantico.
During his first exposure to the Marine Corps, he was surprised to learn that the planes hanging from the glass and steel ceiling in the museum’s leatherneck gallery, in fact, were real and were used in the theater of war. He was also taken by the number of firearms on display throughout the museum.
“Wow, there are a lot of guns,” said Malachi.
“You need a lot of guns to win wars,” said National Museum of the Marine Corps spokeswoman Gwenn Adams, who is also a Marine.
As he is the Potomac Local Student Reporter as part of the “Real Big Kid” event at the Martin K. Alloy Boys and Girls Club in Manassas, the Mayfield Intermediate School student interviewed Adams about her time helping to collect artifacts for the museum and conducting tours, and about her time in the Marine Corps.
“I come from a family that all served. My father was in the Marines, and when it was my turn, I wanted to join the best,” said Adams.
You can donate to Prince William/Greater Manassas Boys and Girls Club “Real Big Kid” event. To support this worthwhile effort, select #6 Potomac Local publisher Uriah Kiser.Â
Malachi asked Adams six questions on topics ranging from enlisting in the Marines to her boot camp experience at Parris Island, S.C.
“I think being away from home was the hardest part,” said Adams.
She then gave Malachi and his father, Darrin a tour of the museum where Malachi was able to hear what it is like for new recruits arriving at boot camp, each being yelled at by drill instructors to fall in line.
“That’s really loud,” said Malachi.
Adams’ tour took the student through the formation of the Marine Corps through WWII. Malachi saw a flag that was raised over Iwo Jima in the Pacific Ocean during WWII, and an iconic photograph of the flag raising taken by Joe Rosenthal. He immediately saw the resemblance, that the museum building he was standing in was fashioned after the photo.
Originally opened in 2006, the 115,000 square foot final phase of the building was completed in 2017 with the addition of a combat art gallery and studio, and children’s gallery, and a giant screen movie theater.
This year, the museum expects to open a new attraction called “Legacy Walk,” while new galleries featuring the Marine Corps from 1976 to today will open next year.
The National Museum of the Marine Corps is located at 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway in Triangle. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Christmas.
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Icy Conditions Possible Wednesday Night – A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Prince William County from 9 p.m. Wednesday to Noon Thursday, with freezing rain and sleet expected. VDOT crews are treating roads, but travel may be hazardous. Limit travel, prepare for icy spots, and stay updated on changing conditions.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted Tuesday to cancel the long-debated Route 28 Bypass Project, ending years of planning and millions of dollars in studies and design work. The decision, which passed with a 5-3 vote, came after a contentious debate over the feasibility and cost of the project.
Initially estimated to cost more than $200 million, the road would have connected with Route 28 at a signalized intersection north of Bull Run Stream in Fairfax County. The plan to build the road, Alternative 2B, was the top recommendation from the 2017 Route 28 Corridor Feasibility Study. The project had received $89 million in funding from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) as part of a broader effort to improve the county’s transportation infrastructure.
County transportation director Rick Canizales confirmed that the estimated cost had grown beyond available funding, requiring an additional $80–$100 million to proceed. “After taking all this into consideration and doing all the design work that we’ve done at this point, we come to the board and let you know that as staff, we believe that alternative 2B is not viable because we don’t have enough money and we don’t have enough support in some of the challenges we’re facing,” Canizales said.
For the first time, Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis Younger sat down for an exclusive interview with Potomac Local News as she begins her second term. In a candid conversation, she addressed the city’s stance on immigration enforcement, the future of development in downtown Manassas, the impact of potential state and federal funding cuts, and her vision for the next four years.
What’s next for Manassas? Will taxes go up? How will the city navigate potential financial challenges? And what’s her take on the now-canceled Route 28 Bypass project?
Get the full story in tomorrow’s edition—only on Potomac Local News. Stay tuned!
The Northern Virginia real estate market is shifting, with demand growing in Prince William, Stafford, Manassas, and Fredericksburg, outpacing Fairfax County. Mark Worrilow, a real estate expert with Fathom Realty, attributes this to affordability, improved commuting options, and enhanced quality of life. Homebuyers find better value in these areas without sacrificing convenience. Inventory is rising, offering more options for buyers, though competition remains strong. Interest rates have stabilized, leading more buyers to enter the market. Worrilow emphasizes the importance of working with an experienced realtor to navigate these trends and make informed real estate decisions in this evolving market.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
