BATTLEFIELDS & MUSEUMS
- United States - Washington , Maryland
The National Vietnam Veterans Memorial,
Washington DC
U.S.
Army Ordnance Museum, Maryland
The National Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Washington, D.C.
 After watching the film "The Deer Hunter" in 1979, Vietnam Veteran
Jan C. Scruggs first conceived of the idea for a Vietnam Veterans Memorial. A
Yale architectural student, Maya Lin, submitted the winning design.
"The Wall" was built in Constitution Gardens in Washington, D.C.,
through private donations from the public, and dedicated in 1982.
Twenty
years ago, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund dedicated the black granite
wall on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The Memorial was originally designed
to pay long overdue honor to the nearly three million men and women who served with the U.S. Armed Forces in
the Vietnam War.
Since the dedication in November 1982, The Wall has had a profound impact on
America and has developed into an international symbol of healing. It has welcomed veterans home when no one
else would. Offered families and friends the opportunity to mourn loved ones. And forever reminds current and future
generations about the human toll of war.
The Wall remains the most visited memorial in the nation's capital with more
than four million visitors annually. In its two decades, the Memorial is
responsible for initiating countless reunions, healing the country from the
divisive wounds of the Vietnam War and educating young people about the effects
of the war on society.
This year, the Memorial Fund commemorates the 20th Anniversary of The Wall with
a host of activities throughout the year.
The
U.S. Army Ordnance Museum at Aberdeen Proving Ground ranks among the largest and
best collections of ordnance in the world with more than 8,000 artifacts,
including 260 large pieces. Many of these treasures represent significant
technological advancements that influenced future developments of civilian and
military products. Most of the items in the collection are rare, and many are
the sole remaining example and are thus irreplaceable.
 The museum has about 230 items on display in the field
around the museum building. Most of these are examples of foreign countries
weapons from WW II and I. Some are the only remaining examples left to see and
study. Not shown in the photo are the Atomic Cannon, the German railroad gun and
the mile of American armor in the center median of one of the main roads on the
base.
The museum building has special displays, an extensive
collection of small arms, a library and a small theater.
The foundation's goal is to construct a 300,000 square
foot building adjoining the existing building to house and more effectively
display the large weapons now deteriorating in the weather.
Directions to the Museum:
Exit 85 off 1-95 and go 3.5 miles
east on Rt. 22 to the museum
Exit 85 is about 35 miles North
of Baltimore and about 50 miles south of Philadelphia
Hours:
Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Closed on national holidays,
except for Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Independance Day and Veterans Day.
 
U.S. Naval
Academy Museum
118 Maryland Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21402-5034
(410) 293-2108
The U. S.
Naval Academy Museum serves as an educational and inspirational resource for the
Brigade of Midshipmen at the U. S. Naval Academy, other students of American
naval history, and thousands of visitors each year. Through its collections and
exhibits, the Museum contributes to the recognition of history as a basic source
of knowledge in advancing the theory and practice of sea power - Ex
Scientia Tridens: from knowledge, sea power.
Utilizing
three-dimensional and graphic materials, the Museum demonstrates the Navy's
role, in war and in peace, in defending and preserving the ideals of our country
and mankind.
Location
The
U.S. Naval Academy Museum is located in Preble Hall on the grounds of the U.S.
Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. It is 35 miles east of Washington,
D.C. via U.S. Route 50 (Exit 24), and 26 miles south of Baltimore via Maryland
Route 2 or Interstate 97.
Hours
Monday -
Saturday
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday
11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed
Thanksgiving, Christmas,
and New Years Days
Admission-Free
| 
