Memorial Day at the National Infantry Museum Activities run from May 21 through May 25
May 18, 2014: The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, normally closed on Mondays, will be open Monday, May 25, to commemorate Memorial Day. Here are some of the activities scheduled for that day, and the days leading up to it:
THURSDAY, MAY 21
World Trade Center Steel Beam on Display
National Infantry Museum Front Lawn
For just the third time since its arrival at the National Infantry Museum in September 2009, a steel beam pulled from the wreckage of the World Trade Center will be on display Thursday, May 21 through Monday, May 25. It was donated to Fort Benning by New York City firefighters in appreciation for Soldiers who have fought in the War on Terrorism. The beam will be the centerpiece for a new memorial at the National Infantry Museum honoring those Soldiers.
SATURDAY, MAY 23
“You’re in the Army, Now!”
9 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 23, from 9 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 25 – 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 SFC (Ret) Mike Schlitz, an Army Ranger who was severely injured while on a road-clearing mission in Baghdad in 2007. Still recovering from burns over 85 percent of his body, Schlitz travels the country giving motivational speeches. Nearly 200 granite pavers will be dedicated this Memorial Day. Family and friends will have the opportunity to make rubbings of commemorative pavers following the ceremony. Click here to learn more about Heritage Walk pavers.
Flag Retirement Ceremony
12:30 p.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.
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