National Museum of the Marine Corps: “The National Museum of the Marine Corps (NMMC) welcomed the 7 millionth visitor when Timothy Kapp, Jr of Youngsville, N.C. crossed the threshold on November 10, 2023.”
“Kapp, a Marine veteran with 12 years of service, and his wife, Kelli, traveled to the Museum for the Marine Corps birthday ceremony but traffic delayed their arrival. This is the first time they’ve been thankful for traffic jams, according to Kapp.”
“It was so awesome coming up the parade deck and having everyone wishing each other a happy birthday. This is the Marine’s house so it just feels right to be here on the birthday. Being the 7 millionth visitor is a real bonus,” Kapp said with obvious pride.
“Museum Acting Director David Vickers gave Kapp an even bigger bonus with a surprise “behind the scenes” look at the coming galleries, which tell Marine Corps history from 1976 to 2016. Those galleries aren’t open to the public yet but Vickers reasoned that “When we get to celebrate the Marine Corps’ 248th birthday, the Museum’s 17th birthday and our 7 millionth visitor all in one day it calls for something very special.”
“The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation presented Kapp with a gift bag containing NMMC and Marine Corps memorabilia and a certificate for a memorial brick honoring Kapp as the 7 millionth visitor.”
“On behalf of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, I am proud to congratulate you as the seven millionth visitor to the National Museum of the Marine Corps. You are the reason why we do what we do at the Foundation. Why we built this place, why we continue to share Marine Corps history and traditions. You represent the 7 million individuals who have visited and the 7 million who are yet to come. Semper Fi, Marine,” MajGen James Lukeman (RET), President and Chief Executive Officer of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation told Capp.
“The NMMC opened its doors on November 10, 2006, the 231st birthday of the Marine Corps. Since that day, an average of nearly 412,000 visitors per year have experienced the remarkable history of the Corps, artfully and accurately depicted throughout the galleries. Many visitors are veterans who experienced the history first-hand, who have often shared stories their families had never heard, or wept with their brothers and sisters in arms, but stood a bit taller as they exited the front doors. Thousands of students visit each year as well, gaining significant insight into the past in order to successfully lead in the future. Many young Marines were inspired and motivated to join simply because they visited this beautiful monument–a testament to the honor, courage, commitment and sacrifice that epitomizes the United States Marine Corps.”
Marine Corps Heritage Foundation:Â “The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation is holding its second Classic Car Show on Sunday, October 15 at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.”
The National Museum of the Marine Corps can be found at 1775 Semper Fidelis Way, Triangle.
“The free event is open to the public. Individuals and car groups interested in entering their vehicles (25 years or older) should use the form. Vehicle registration is free, but space is limited. Please register before Thursday, October 12, at 5 p.m.”
“The Museum is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on the day of the event. All visitors to the classic car show will be able to visit the Museum, enjoy lunch at Tun Tavern or Devil Dog Diner, visit the Museum Gift Shop, test your aim at the simulated rifle range and watch the film ‘We, the Marines’ on the giant screen in the Medal of Honor Theater.”
“9:30-10:30 a.m.: Registered Vehicle Check-in and 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Car show open to the public.”
National Museum of the Marine Corps:Â “‘They Came in Peace,’ a new temporary exhibit at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, opens on September 25, 2023.”
“This exhibit tells the stories of the Marines who conducted peacekeeping operations in Beirut, Lebanon, from 1982 to 1984 and the 22nd Marine Amphibious Unit (MAU) that landed on Grenada in 1983 as part of Operation Urgent Fury.”
“The exhibit honors the 241 soldiers, sailors, and Marines from the 24th MAU who lost their lives in the October 23, 1983 bombing of the Marine barracks at Beirut International Airport as part of the Museum’s commemoration of the fortieth anniversary of this event. A memorial wall with the names of the fallen Servicemembers and a multi-media presentation incorporating contemporary footage of the bombing and interviews with surviving Marine veterans and next of kin of the fallen shows visitors the cost borne by the Marines of the 24th MAU and the impact the bombing has had to this day.”
“In 1982, Marines began a peacekeeping mission as part of a multinational force in war-torn Lebanon. The Marines and sailors on peacekeeping duty suffered 11 killed and 64 wounded during intermittent fighting before October 23, 1983. On that date, a terrorist suicide bomber in a 5-ton truck loaded with 2,000 pounds of explosives sped past a guard post at Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 1/8’s headquarters building, through a fence, into the building’s lobby, and detonated his bomb.”
“The explosion and subsequent building collapse claimed the lives of 3 soldiers, 18 sailors, and 220 Marines. This was the greatest single-day loss of Marines since the February 19, 1945 landing during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II.”
“Six days before the attack, the 22d MAU sailed from North Carolina for the Mediterranean to participate in an exercise in Spain before relieving the 24th MAU in Lebanon. However, the amphibious squadron carrying the 22d MAU changed course toward the Caribbean at midnight on October 20, 1983 to participate in Operation Urgent Fury on the small island nation of Grenada.”
“The goal of the operation was to evacuate hundreds of American citizens and restore order following the outbreak of politically-motivated violence. The Marines from 22d MAU launched their invasion of Grenada on October 25, 1983, and remained on the island until they withdrew to relieve the 24th MAU in Lebanon on November 2, 1983; they began peace-keeping operations in Beirut on 19 November 1984.”
“‘They Came in Peace’ highlights the Marine Corps’ flexibility as America’s naval expeditionary force in readiness and the bravery, determination, and sacrifice of Marines in Lebanon and Grenada.”
Marine Corps Heritage Foundation: “‘The President’s Own’ United States Marine Band will present the Summer Concert Series grand finale on August 31 at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.”
The address is 1775 Semper Fidelis Way, Triangle.
“The performance will begin at 7 p.m. on the Museum’s outdoor plaza. The premier band of the United States Marine Corps, ‘The President’s Own,’ plays patriotic and martial favorites alongside selections from the wind band repertoire, works by contemporary composers, scores from film and theatre, and more.”
“Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets. The Museum, Medal of Honor Theater, Rifle Range, and Museum Store will remain open for extended hours until the concert begins.”
“Tun Tavern will also offer extended service from 4 – 6 p.m. Outdoor concessions will be available during the performance. Admission and parking are free and open to the public. No tickets are required.”
“In case of inclement weather, please check the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s Facebook page for more information.”
Marine Corps Heritage Foundation: “The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation has begun construction work on the Semper Fidelis Memorial Park Pavilion, part of the expansion of Semper Fidelis Memorial Park, adjoining the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Virginia.”
“The pavilion is part of a larger enhancement of Semper Fidelis Memorial Park, scheduled to be finished in Spring 2024. When completed, the Park will feature 17 additional memorial locations, three new rally points, a new memorial wall for unit plaques, space for over 22,000 new commemorative bricks to be placed along with pathway, and almost another mile of ADA compliant pathways for visitors.”
“The pavilion is made possible through the generous contributions of Marine veteran, distinguished entrepreneur, visionary leader, and philanthropist Tim Day, his wife Sandy Day, and the Timothy T. Day Foundation.”
“Tim and Sandy Day’s generosity has transformed the landscape of the National Museum of the Marine Corps and Marine Corps Heritage Center,” said Major General James W. Lukeman, president and CEO of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.”
“Tim and Sandy have enhanced Semper Fidelis Memorial Park and the National Museum of the Marine Corps with spaces where visitors from around the world will come to remember the sacrifices of Marines now and for future generations.”
“The pavilion’s footprint and landscape design will evoke the image of a senior enlisted rank insignia in the Marine Corps. Benches will be spaced for quiet reflection and a tranquil view will be seen from inside the pavilion looking out to the National Museum of the Marine Corps and surrounding grounds.”
Other features of the park expansion include Marine medium girder bridge: a lightweight bridge that can be assembled without help from heavy equipment, ass well as new footbridge.
For more information, visit the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation website at marineheritage.org.
Marine Corps Heritage Foundation: “The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation announces the addition of the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, the Navy’s official Chorus, to its Summer Concert series.”
”The Sea Chanters will perform on August 10 at 7 p.m. on the outdoor plaza at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Virginia. The chorus performs traditional choral music, sea chanteys, patriotic fare, opera, Broadway and contemporary music.”
“Shows begin at 7 p.m and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets. The Museum, Medal of Honor Theater, Rifle Range and Museum Store will remain open for extended hours until the concerts begin.”
”Tun Tavern will also hold extended hours from 4 – 6 p.m. Outdoor concessions will be available during the performance. Admission and parking are free and open to the public for all concerts.”
For more information on the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s Summer Concert Series and other summer programming, visit marineheritage.org
Update: “Due to inclement weather, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation has unfortunately been forced to cancel the US Navy Band performance that was scheduled for tonight, June 6. The next concert will be July 6 and feature the U.S. Army Blues.”
Original post from Marine Corps Heritage Foundation: “On June 22, 2023, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation will welcome the U.S. Navy Band Country Current for the second performance of the free Summer Concert Series at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.”
The museum can be found at 1775 Semper Fidelis Way, Triangle.
“Country Current is nationally renowned for its versatility and ‘eye-popping’ musicianship, performing a blend of modern country music and cutting-edge bluegrass. Performances continue throughout the summer with appearances from the U.S. Army Blues, Marine Corps Battle Detachment, U.S. Navy Concert Band and ‘The President’s Own’ U.S. Marine Band.”
“The concerts begin at 7 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets. The Museum, Medal of Honor Theater, Rifle Range and Museum Store will remain open for extended hours until the concerts begin. Tun Tavern will also hold extended hours from 4 – 6 p.m.”
“Outdoor concessions will be available during the performance. Admission and parking are free. No tickets are required.”
More information can be found online.
The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation announces the first classic car show at the National Museum of the Marine Corps on Sunday, May 7.
The event is free and open to the public, and all classic car enthusiasts are encouraged to come out to see their favorite cars. The car show will conclude with a free outdoor performance by the Navy’s premier jazz ensemble, the U.S. Navy Band Commodores, who have performed across America for over 50 years.
Individuals and car groups interested in entering their vehicles (1979 or earlier) before Friday, May 5, at 4 p.m. Vehicle registration is free, but space is limited.
The Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the event day. All visitors to the car show can visit the Museum, have lunch at Tun Tavern or Devil Dog Diner, visit the Museum Gift Shop, and watch the signature film We, the Marines on the Giant Screen in the Medal of Honor Theater.
The National Museum of the Marine Corps sits at 1775 Semper Fidelis Way in Triangle.
The National Museum of the Marine Corps will commemorate the World War II battle of Iwo Jima with an exhibit of both flags that were raised on Mount Suribachi. Visitors can see both flags in the Museum's World War II Gallery from now until March 30, 2023.
The WWII battle of Iwo Jima lasted from February 19 to March 26, 1945, and was a key battle in American and Marine Corps history. On February 23, 1945, U.S. Marines took control of Mount Suribachi, the highest point on the island, and raised a small flag on the peak. Later that day, different troops raised a larger flag while others respectfully lowered the original.
