Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel Dedicated at National Museum of the Marine Corps

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation dedicated the Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel with a crowd of hundreds of U.S. Marine Corps general officers in attendance at the National Museum of the Marine Corps on October 22, 2009 at 11 a.m. Highlights of the reflective ceremony included a Navy bell ringing ceremony with students of the Marine Corps University, and the playing of Taps by a Marine Corps Band bugler followed by a 21-gun salute. Rear Admiral Mark L. Tidd, Chaplain of the Marine Corps provided the Benediction and a ribbon cutting officially opened the chapel to the public.

“It is my belief that as our Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel takes its place within this Marine Corps Heritage Center it will soon serve as a welcoming sanctuary, a place of remembrance and reflection to all Marines, past and present,” said Lt. Gen Ron Christmas, president and CEO of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.

Other ceremony speakers included Under Secretary of the Navy Robert Work, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Conway and Marine Captain and businessman, Timothy Day and his wife Sandy. Mr. and Mrs. Day of Phoenix, Arizona, along with the Timothy Day Foundation, donated $5 million to construct the chapel.

The nondenominational chapel will serve as a contemplative space where Marines and all visitors can remember the service and sacrifices of those who have served our nation. It will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is available for weddings, funerals and other military ceremonies through the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. Designed by Denver-based Fentress Architects, architects of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, the chapel’s structure evokes images of improvised field chapels familiar to all combat Marines. The timber, glass and stone structure, standing within Semper Fidelis Memorial Park adjacent to the National Museum of the Marine Corps, includes an 8-foot tall etched glass, iconic image of a Marine kneeling in prayer, and a reflecting pool.

The dedication of the Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel comes three weeks prior to the third birthday of the National Museum, which has welcomed more than 1.5 million visitors to date. The addition of the chapel in Semper Fidelis Memorial Park continues the expansion of the Marine Corps Heritage Center. Overlooking the National Museum of the Marine Corps, the park is situated on 23.2 acres of high ground and plays an important part in the Museum visitor’s experience. As expansion continues, the park will grow to include a water feature commemorating the Corps’ nautical tradition, as well as an additional network of paths that will extend throughout the wooded grounds.

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Spirit of America Founder Honored by the U.S. Marine Corps‏

Spirit of America's Founder and Chairman of the Board, Jim Hake, was honored by the U.S. Marine Corps on May 22nd at the Marine Barracks in Washington, DC. The host for the evening was Lieutenant General Joseph F. Dunford, Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations. General Dunford is also a long-time supporter and friend of Spirit of America.

Jim Hake met General Dunford in 2005 at Camp Pendleton, and the two discussed shipments of humanitarian aid to Iraq. A friendship was struck, and General Dunford has followed the growth and expansion of Spirit of America as it has funded over $13 million in projects over the past five years.

The Evening Parade has a long tradition and is held every Friday evening during the summer months at the oldest post of the Marine Corps, and home to the Marine Corps Commandant.

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Lockheed Martin Provides Major Sponsorship Gift for Expansion of National Museum of the Marine Corps

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation has announced a donation of $10 million from Lockheed Martin, the world’s leading global security company. The 10-year Lockheed Martin gift will expand the National Museum of the Marine Corps’ Education and Community Outreach Programs, as well as add a large-screen theater to the Museum complex. The gift significantly advances the Foundation’s efforts to raise $85 million for the completion of the National Museum and Marine Corps Heritage Center in Quantico, Virginia.

Robert J. Stevens, Lockheed Martin’s Chairman, President, and CEO said, “Our nation needs a strong Marine Corps, one built on a rich heritage dating back before our nation was born. This project will combine Marine Corps heritage with professional development to address the most challenging issues we face today. We are pleased that our commitment to the National Museum of the Marine Corps will support the completion of this important resource for the Corps and the nation.”

“We are deeply grateful to Lockheed Martin for its exemplary generosity and social responsibility,“ said LtGen Ron Christmas, USMC (Ret), President and Chief Executive Officer of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. “This wonderful gesture will help the Foundation to fulfill its vision of bringing forth a multi-dimensional, world-class facility to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages, from across our Nation, time and time again.”

Retired Sergeant Major of the Marine Corp John Estrada, now a project manager for Lockheed Martin, helped announce the contribution. He noted, “Understanding our history and how we can build on it helps Marines be creative, innovative and able to adapt to changing world situations, and continue to be the world’s best fighting force.”

The Museum depicts America’s history as seen through the eyes of Marines since the founding of the Marine Corps in 1775. Contributing to the professional development of Marines, Lockheed Martin is also sponsoring the Foundation’s popular “An Evening with…” lecture series, with distinguished speakers addressing current world topics with students of the Marine Corps University, business and community leaders, and members of the public.

The addition of a large-screen theater will help expand the visitor appeal and educational impact of the Museum through the screening of action-oriented films themed on the Marine Corps and the corresponding history of our nation.

Related plans for project completion include: installation of interactive exhibits that will fully chronicle the contributions of the United States Marine Corps from its 1775 founding to the present day; the construction of a memorial park and chapel offering visitors opportunities of remembrance and reflection; completion of the National Museum structure; and the implementation of visitor programs focused on education. To see plans and video illustrating expansion of the Marine Corps Heritage Center, visit www.MarineHeritage.org.

Dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Marine Corps history, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation was established in 1979 as a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization. The Foundation supports the historical programs of the Marine Corps in ways not possible through government funds. The Foundation provides grants and scholarships for research and the renovation, restoration, and commissioning of historical Marine Corps artifacts and landmarks. Securing the necessary funding for the complete construction of the National Museum of the Marine Corps and Heritage Center is the Foundation’s current primary mission while continuing to provide program support for the Corps’ historical, museum, and educational activities.

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