The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, normally closed on Mondays, will be open Monday, May 26, to commemorate Memorial Day. Here are some of the activities scheduled for that day, and for the days leading up to and following Memorial Day:
SATURDAY, MAY 24
“You’re in the Army, Now!”
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
World War II Company Street
Kelly’s Zeroes living historians will be back at the museum for “You’re in the Army, Now!” Saturday, May 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on World War II Company Street, which is located behind the National Infantry Museum. The WWII historians will take visitors back to the 1940s to see what life was like for our Soldiers during the war. They’ll even get the chance to participate in drills, marches & calisthenics on the authentically restored World War II Company Street! There is no charge for this activity; donations are appreciated.
MONDAY, MAY 26 – MEMORIAL DAY (Museum Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Memorial Day Mini Camp
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Patriot Hall, inside the museum
Kids aged 5-11 learn about military history and appreciation through games, hands-on activities, guided tours, refreshments and more. For registration information, contact the Camp Director at campdirector@nimf.flywheelsites.com or 706-653-9234, ext 5849.
Paver Dedication Ceremony
10 a.m.
Heritage Walk (east side of museum)
The Memorial Day paver dedication ceremony will feature guest speaker the Honorable Judge John D. Allen. Judge Allen, an Air Force Veteran and highly decorated pilot, flew 167 combat missions, and received 23 Air Medals and other awards for his service during the Vietnam War. After his service, he maintained a private law practice in Columbus and was appointed in 1993 as a Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge until his retirement in October 2013.
More than 100 granite pavers will be dedicated in Sections 21B and 22B. Family and friends will have the opportunity to make rubbings of commemorative pavers following the ceremony.
Flag Retirement Ceremony
11 a.m.
Fire Pit (behind museum)
Local Scouts will conduct an official flag retirement ceremony at the fire pit behind the museum. Visitors and residents are encouraged to bring torn, tattered or soiled flags for proper disposal.
Movies
IMAX Theatre at Patriot Park
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Two documentaries will be shown throughout the day on Memorial Day. D-Day 3D: Normandy 1944 tells the story of the Allied invasion on the beaches of Normandy using a ‘cocktail’ of innovative film techniques, including animation, CGI and stunning live-action images. The film is narrated by journalist and historian Tom Brokaw. (11am, 1pm. 3pm, 5pm)
We the People is a powerful giant screen historical documentary about America’s founding documents and the people who wrote, shaped and tested them. Narrated by the iconic voices of Morgan Freeman and Kenny Rogers, We the People is meant to engage and inspire its audience to learn more about and participate in our democracy. (10am, noon, 2pm and 4 pm) IMAX documentary tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for students/military/seniors and $6 for children 4-12.
FRIDAY, MAY 30
Enduring Freedom Honor Team Concert
11 a.m. – Noon
Museum lobby
The Enduring Freedom Honor Team, an ensemble of talented musicians from Fredericksburg, Virginia, will perform a free concert of patriotic music in the lobby of the National Infantry Museum at 11 a.m. on May 30. The high school students dress is World War II era khaki and Eisenhower jackets, and play period music.
The ensemble has played in such venues as the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia, the Pentagon, Walter Reed Army Hospital, the National Mall in Washington, D.C. and Veterans Administration hospitals across the nation. They also have performed for World War II and Korean War veterans who took part in the Honor Flight Program.
The ensemble was created to connect young people with members of the “greatest generation.” Their vintage uniforms and period music resonate with older veterans. In return, the teens get the opportunity to meet veterans and hear their stories.
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