Tuesday November 24, 2009
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Military Interest
Throughout Washington, DC, there are many memorials, monuments and museums dedicated to honoring those who have served our country in the various branches of the military. There is a separate section on this website dedicated to Civil War sites that may be of interest to visitors.
Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, VA 8am-7pm April 1-September 30; 8am-5pm October 1-March 31 No admission charged, although tour bus service requires ticket purchase |
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The somber sight of hundreds and hundreds of white crosses lined up across a green lawn is a striking visual and brings into sharper focus the debt of gratitude owed to our nation's military heroes. It’s no surprise that it’s called “our nation’s most hallowed ground.” Final resting place of President John Kennedy and thousands of American servicemen and women. The Changing of the Guard occurs on the hour each hour October through March, then occurs every half-hour April through September. Tour bus services operate throughout the day; tickets can be purchased at the cemetery. |
Korean War Memorial West End, National Mall, Washington, DC |
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The design of this memorial gives visitors a feel for what was faced by soldiers serving in Korea from 1950 to 1953. With 19 larger than life-size statues representing a squad on patrol, a long black granite wall with photographic images, and a Pool of Remembrance, the memorial provides a stirring tribute to one million and a half veterans who served in the Korean War. |
| National Museum of the Marine Corps (877) 635-1775 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway, Triangle, VA 22172 9am-5pm daily; closed December 25 No admission charged |
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Opened in November 2006 in Quantico, Virginia, this museum provides interactive exhibits and innovative technology to provide a lasting tribute to U.S. Marines. Its design evokes the image of the flag-raisers at Iwo Jima, and celebrates more than 230 years of Marine Corps history. The museum is divided into sections that focus on various wars and events: World War II, Vietnam, Korean and the Global War on Terrorism are just a few of the galleries. |
| Naval Historical Center/U.S. Navy Museum at the Washington Navy Yard (202) 433-4882 Building 76, 805 Kidder Breese SE, Washington, DC 20374-5060 9am-4pm weekdays; closed weekends and federal holidays No admission charged, but appointment required |
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Located at the Washington Navy Yard, this is the official history program of the U.S. Navy and is a great research resource about Naval history. It contains displays on Navy ships, submarines, and various wars in which the Navy has played a role. Artifacts from Admiral Richard Byrd’s Polar Expedition, uniforms and weapons. For safety reasons, please do not use public transportation to get to the Museum; plenty of parking is available inside the Navy Yard. |
The Pentagon Arlington, VA No admission charged |
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| The headquarters of the Department of Defense, the Pentagon is one of the largest office buildings in the world and houses approximately 23,000 military and civilian employees. Its unique five-sided construction makes it one of the most recognizable landmarks in the country. The Pentagon conducts limited one-hour public tours, which must be arranged through my office. |
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| U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum (202) 488-0400 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW, Washington, DC 20024 10am-5:30pm daily; closed Yom Kippur and December 25 Free timed tickets are required and are available on-site; tickets can be purchased online for a small transaction fee. |
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During World War II, approximately six million Jews were murdered by Nazi Germany and its collaborators. The Holocaust Museum is America's memorial to those who were killed. Its goal is to stimulate visitors to confront hatred, prevent genocide, promote human dignity and strengthen democracy. Carefully-crafted exhibits carry stark reminders of what happened during the Holocaust. While this is a somber museum, it is an educational and personal experience that is unforgettable. |
U.S. Marine Corps military band performances 8th and I Streets, SE Washington, DC 20390 |
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| From Memorial Day to Labor Day each year, the U.S. Marine Corps military bands perform two free concerts each week. On Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m., the Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps and Silent Drill Team perform at the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial). No reservations are needed for this performance, but reservations are required for Friday evening’s performance at the Washington, DC, Marine Corps Barracks hosts an evening parade and concert by the U.S. Marine Corps Band. The one hour, fifteen minute performance of music and precision marching ceremony reflects the story of the Marines and their service throughout the world. Features are “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, “The Commandant’s Own” The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the Marine Corps Color Guard, the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Ceremonial Marchers, and Sgt. Cherty XII, the official mascot of the Marine Barracks Washington. Reservations can be made through the Marine Barracks, Washington, DC, website. | |
| U.S. Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial) (703) 289-2500 Arlington, VA Open 24 hours a day, year-round No admission charged |
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The bronze replica of the iconic Pulitzer Prize-winning photo taken shortly by news photographer Joe Rosenthal after the Battle of Iwo Jima commemorates the soldiers of the U.S. Marine Corps who paid the ultimate price for their country. The base of the memorial contains the names and dates of every principal Marine Corps engagement since the founding of the Corps. It offers lots of open ground around the memorial for picnicking and play. You can also enjoy the nearby Netherlands Carillon. During the summer months, the U.S. Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps and Silent Drill Team perform Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at the memorial. |
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(202) 737-2300 North side, Pennsylvania Avenue at 8th, NW, Washington, DC No admission charged |
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The statue, The Lone Sailor, was dedicated in 1992. It stands on the Quarterdeck of the Naval Heritage Center, adjacent to the Memorial Plaza. It is surrounded by fountains, pools, flagpole masts and sculptural panels depicting historic achievements of the Navy and sea services. The statue was designed by sculptor Stanley Bleifeld, and represents all those who have served, are serving and have yet to serve in the Navy and other sea services. |
Vietnam Veterans Memorial |
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"The Wall" is a somber tribute to those men and women who gave their lives during the Vietnam War. It honors those who died by listing their names on the Memorial Wall, a sleek expanse of black granite that sinks into the ground in a V-shape. The award-winning design by Maya Lin was selected from nearly 1,500 entries. Items are frequently left at The Wall by family members, friends and comrades of those who served in the war. You can locate specific names on The Wall through a directory placed at the west end of the memorial. Nearby are two additional statues: The Three Soldiers and the Women’s Memorial that honor contributions made by those who fought in the Vietnam War. |
World War II Memorial National Mall, Washington, DC |
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The National World War II Memorial commemorates the sacrifice and celebrates the victory of the of the WWII generation. It honors the 16 million who served, those at home who supported the war, and the more than 400,000 who died in the conflict. The Freedom Wall contains 4,448 stars, one for every 100 Americans who died in WWII. |
