National Infantry Museum

The new National Infantry Museum is now open. Thank You very much to my good friend Angelia for forwarding the story to me. I have no idea how I missed it.

I was very proud reading this article about the museum and LTG Hal Moore. Very proud to be counted amongst the ranks of my fellow Infantrymen, and to know that the Fort Benning / Columbus GA Community, and Nationwide Assistance and Donors made this possible. To everyone who helped make this hallowed ground possible, thank you.

http://www.nationalinfantrymuseum.com/

http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/200/story/753548.html

A walking cane in his left hand, a Cavalry Stetson adorned with three stars atop his head, retired Lt. Gen. Hal Moore walked.

An 87-year-old battle-scarred soldier in his dress blue uniform, Moore experienced “The Last 100 Yards,” the signature exhibit of the new National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center at Patriot Park on Thursday night.

On the eve of the grand opening, about 175 military leaders, past and present, including former Secretary of State and retired Gen. Colin Powell and Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, gathered for a formal dinner and tour of the facility. The gathering included philanthropists from Columbus and throughout the country who helped make the museum possible.

On this night, Moore walked through the American Revolution, into the Civil War, into two World Wars and through Korea.

All along the way, he stopped and dutifully read the markers describing each battle depicted.

He walked slowly, but he walked with purpose.

As Moore neared the top of the ramp, he stopped.

Vietnam. Air Assault at Landing Zone X-Ray.

“I am familiar with this one,” he said as he marched toward the marker.

He stopped. Got as close to the words describing battle as his eyes would allow. He squinted. And he read every single word.

As he read, his face was a portrait of concentration, lips pursed.

He walked up to the helicopter, a video screen playing on the inside. The grass moved as if the chopper was landing.

It was all too real.

He looked into the face of one of the soldiers captured in a large photo inside the exhibit.

“That was one of my men,” Moore said.

These were Moore’s men, this was his fight.

God Bless America and our Infantrymen!

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