The National Museum of the Marine Corps- Step into the world of being a Marine

Tomorrow is the anniversary of the birth of the United States Marine Corps. Many young men and women have enlisted in the Marine Corps to help protect the country. The National Museum of the Marine Corps  in Triangle Virginia honors the commitment, accomplishments, and sacrifices that these people have made by displaying objects and videos related to the history of the Marine Corps. The tour guides are veterans from the Vietnam, Gulf War or other conflicts.

“It is a very interesting and impressive museum with amazing, detailed displays. This was the 2nd visit in 3 years and will continue to return as the museum expansions in the future.” said usmvet01 a user of tripadisvor.com.

Visitors learn about how the United States Marine Corps makes people Marines from the arrivals of the new recruits, boot camp, graduation, and the role of the Drill Instructor. There is an exhibit of a shooting range where visitors can practice shooting a rifle.

According to usmcmuseum.com there is an exhibit called Legacy Walk that  includes a timeline detailing the Marine’s activities at home and abroad since 1775 and introduces visitors to the cooperative relationship between the Marine Corps and the US Navy, the Marine Air-Ground Team and the many innovations developed by the Marine Corps to improve its operational capabilities.

“The museum has a great gallery for WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam.” said travler31_11 a user of tripadvisor.com.

 These galleries display weapons of war. In the World War II gallery has an M3 Stuart tank and the 37mm anti-tank gun. In the Korean War gallery visitors can see the M26 Pershing Tank that was used in the battle of Seoul. The Vietnam gallery has an exhibit called Marine’s Air War if visitor look up while at this exhibit they will notice an A-4E Skyhawk. These links give information on the weapons.

The galleries are set up to give visitor a realistic experience. In the Korean War Gallery according to usmcmuseum.com on Toktong Pass near the Chosin Reservoir, visitors encounter Marines who are cold, tired and dangerously short of ammunition. Visitors feel the cold; they hear the Chinese soldiers advancing up the snowy mountain and watch the Marines prepare for the next attack.

Hours of Operation: The National Museum of the Marine Corps is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5: 00 p.m. every day except Christmas Day.

Ticket admission: free

Here is a YouTube video