Infantry Museum Now Open

Parade Field, National Infantry Museum, Ft. Benning (The Parade Field is actually on the Ft. Benning Reservation, but the Museum building is in Columbus.)

Thousands made the long walk from parking their cars on the roadsides to the parade ground next to the National Infantry Museum to attend the grand opening graduation ceremony for soldiers who completed their basic training at Fort Benning, and the grand opening of the Museum afterwards.

Museum director MG (R) Jerry White left removes coat, former Sec. of State Colin Powell greets fellow attendee, Parade Field stands, National Infantry Museum

Former Secretary of State and General Colin Powell drew a cheer from the crowd when he arrived. He is on hand to cut the ribbon to open the museum. He topped the long list of dignataries on hand.

Silver Wings Sky-diver, National Infanrty Msueum Parade Field

After the Army’s impressive show of an air assault demonstration, and members of the elete “Silver Wings” parachuting in, the Infantry Center Band led the graduating troops onto the field from World War Two Company Barracks area. Since I was in a couple of Army bands, I always enjoy seeing them do their stuff well, and they did, which was good since this was probably the largest audience they’ll ever march and play for.

Infantry Center Band leading basic training graduates onto Parade Field

Now, we can actually see the museum’s main exhibits. Maybe folks will now start patronizing the Imax Theater, the Fife and Drum restaurant, and the museum’s gift shop enough to help with the museum’s operating expenses. The crowds for those attractions have been disappointing up until now, but maybe that will change now. I’ve been to the theater and restaurant and enjoyed both, and I plan to go again and again. See you at the museum.

Dick’s World