Thousands Attend National Infantry Museum’s Grand Opening

 

 Columbus, Georgia - June 19, 2009:  Despite scorching heat and soaring humidity, close to 4,000 people attended the Grand Opening of the new National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center at Patriot Park today.

     The $100 million facility, honoring the oldest and largest branch of the U.S. Army, is located in Columbus, Georgia, outside the gates of Fort Benning, the Home of the Infantry.

     General Colin Powell, former Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was the featured speaker at the Grand Opening. He recalled his own tenure at Fort Benning in the 1950s and ’60s.,  

     The celebration started with a Fort Benning Infantry school graduation on the parade field adjacent to the new museum. Afterward, Gen. Powell and Rep. Sanford Bishop cut the ribbon with a Revolutionary War Infantry Officer’s Sword, the same sword used by General Omar N. Bradley to open the original National Infantry Museum on Fort Benning on July 1, 1977. Assisting them were National Infantry Foundation Chairman MG (Ret) Jerry White, Commanding General MG Michael Barbero and Columbus Mayor Jim Wetherington.

     Afterward, the doors to the museum were opened and visitors began their journey back through 234 years of Infantry history. Throughout the day, long lines formed at the entrance of the Last 100 Yards, the museum’s signature attraction, featuring lifelike battle scenes from eight major Infantry conflicts over time.

     The center’s IMAX Theatre welcomed large crowds on opening day with the launch of one of the giant screen industry’s most popular films, NASCAR 3D.

     In addition to the Last 100 Yards ramp, the museum features six spacious era galleries tracing Infantry history in detail from the Revolutionary War to the War on Terrorism. The Fort Benning gallery shows how training transforms the young man into a Soldier. The Family Support gallery honors those who love an Infantryman for their own sacrifices.

     There are also Ranger and Officer Candidate School Halls of Honor and the Hall of Valor, where Medal of Honor recipients are honored.

     An authentically recreated World War II Company Street, 3D IMAX Theatre, Fife and Drum Restaurant, Soldier Store and weapons simulator offer more new experiences to the visitor.

Educate, Honor, Preserve

For more than two centuries, United States Infantrymen have fought to protect our freedom. Their missions have brought them face-to-face with the enemy. Their courage, pride and sense of duty stood tall above any fear they faced. But the battle for our freedom has been costly. As many as 80 percent of all the servicemen and women who have died serving their country were part of the Infantry.

We believe it’s time to give the Infantryman his due.

A new, world-class museum has now been built to honor the Infantry. It will tell the story of our ground soldiers from the colonial period to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lessons of the past will be retold to help lead us in the future.

We invite you step back in time with us, to better understand the Infantry’s legacy of valor and sacrifice.

MG Jerry A. White
Chairman, National Infantry Foundation