Park Ceremony May, 6th 2016
Weather holds back rain for unveiling ceremony on Friday
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The Museum of the Marine's leaders unveil the Eagle Globe and Anchor statue during a ceremony Friday at the Lejeune Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville.
By Naomi Whidden
Posted May 6, 2016 at 5:27 PM Updated May 6, 2016 at 5:29 PM
Dark clouds and strong winds whipped at uniforms and clothes as numerous veteran organizations and the community convened to support the Museum of the Marine Phase 1 unveiling of the iconic Eagle, Globe and Anchor sculpture in a presentation ceremony on Friday.
The ceremony, at the Lejeune Memorial Gardens provides a dedicated symbol of intent to financial donors and the military community of the project’s scope and progress, according to officials.
“This museum represents an opportunity to tell the story of Carolina Marines in great detail and allow their history to come alive. Some of these artifacts are disappearing quickly, but preserving this allows me to serve still,” said retired Marine Col. Bill Ayers, after the event.
Ayers was an integral member in organizing Phase 1 of the Museum, a commitment that spanned 17 years and involved spending $1.5 million preparing the dedicated 3.5 acres of land at Lejeune Memorial Gardens.
According to the Museum of the Marine officials, the building designs are complete and will feature three permanent galleries and a single gallery that will feature different aspects of Carolina Marine history.
Jacksonville High School’s Cardinal Quartet members Adam Pence, Riley Lopez and Charlotte McKee were created an inspiring atmosphere for the community that gathered at the park on Friday.
“Events like these allow the students to serve their community through music, and it’s also rewarding for them,” said Joli Brooks, JHS Orchestra Director, explained about the student’s role in Friday’s program.
Remarks by retired Marine General and 29th Commandant Al Gray were followed by the unveiling of the Eagle, Globe and Anchor sculpture, a ten-foot sentinel that will mark the front of the museum in the future.
Pfc. Trysten Hallahan attended the event as a Marine Corps volunteer from neighboring Camp Johnson, and resolutely helped attendees and uprighted informational signs as the strong winds tugged them off stands.
“I heard about an opportunity to volunteer for this event and wanted to come out here. I want to be involved with this park, and be a part of its history,” Hallahan said.
Phase II of the Museum of the Marine has officially begun and involves raising more than $25 million for the building project.
For more information about the museum or to donate to Phase II, please visit museumofthemarine.org or call 910-937-0033.
Source: http://www.jdnews.com/news/20160506/weather-holds-back-rain-for-unveiling-ceremony-on-friday
