National Museum of the Marine Corps

Just when we thought we'd seen the best museums in the Washington area, now this.  Shelly and I (along with several of our new diplomat friends) went to Quantico today to visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps.  What an impressive place!  The architecture alone is stunning, with a roofline that replicates the angle of the famous Iwo Jima photo and scupture.  Inside, it is clearly the most technologically sophisticated museum we've ever seen.  As a spectator, you are put into the middle of battles---storming the shore at Inchon, fighting in Okinawa, suffering the cold at "Frozen Chosin", and exiting a helicopter onto a Vietnam battlefield.  The exhibits are first rate, and powerfully constructed.  The WWI battle of Belleau Wood happened 93 years ago this week, but the exhibit puts the spectator into the middle of the action with lights, vibration, video and even the smells of the battlefield.  In addition to the museum, the land on which it sits is a place of honor and reflection, with statues and a chapel.

Anyone visiting should plan on about 4 hours minimum to really see this well; and plan to include a meal at the Tun Tavern or the Mess Hall.  The food was surprisingly good and reasonably priced.  More than anything, seeing and experiencing the history of the Marine Corps made us proud of our relatives who served.  In particular, we were able to pseudo-experience some of Shelly's dad's experiences in Okinawa, Japan and Tiensin, China. Marine Corporal Ike Gaunt served well and honorably, and we remember him, his fellow Marines, and their sacrifices.  Semper Fi.