October 16, 2007
One of Prince William County, Virginia’s Top Attractions Will Observe Its 1st Anniversary, the Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans Day

Triangle, VA – The National Museum of the Marine Corps -- which has welcomed more than half a million visitors from around the world to Prince William County, Virginia (www.visitpwc.com) less than a year after opening -- will observe its first anniversary, the 232nd birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps and Veterans Day from November 10 to 12, 2007.

Two ceremonial sword cake cuttings are open to the public along with the reading of former Marine Corps Commandant Gen. John Lejeune’s birthday message on Saturday, November 10.

The NMMC says its Tun Tavern – a replica of the original tavern where the first Colonial Marines were recruited -- will provide an opportunity for children to take a step back in time “to meet the Marine Corps’ founder and enlist as a Continental Marine.”

Current Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Conway’s birthday message will be played before each showing of the NMMC’s orientation film.  Unveiled in conjunction with the Marine Corps’ birthday will be the Lt. Gen. Lewis Burwell “Chesty” Puller Historical Marker, sponsored by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.  Puller, a Virginia native, has been considered the most decorated Marine in history, receiving five Navy Crosses.

Several other activities will take place throughout Veterans Day weekend, November 10-12, 2007.  Guests will have the opportunity to try an MRE, or Meal Ready to Eat, and learn about Marine Corps rations.  A display of Continental, WWII and modern USMC uniforms and equipment will allow visitors to try on and examine uniforms.  The Museum also will have free postcards available for guests to write messages to deployed Marines.

Two traveling exhibitions also will open on Veterans Day weekend.  A sneak preview of “In Plane View:  Abstractions of Flight” -- photography by Smithsonian Institution, National Air and Space Museum photographer Carolyn Russo -- will go on display through January 1, 2008.  “Mindscapes:  The Aerial Photography of Adriel Heisey” will be on display until the end of this year.

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The National Museum of the Marine Corps is located at 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway in Triangle, Virginia, just steps away from U.S Marine Corps Base Quantico, and about 30 miles from the nation’s capital. For more information on this and other attractions, lodging and dining in Prince William County, Virginia, a free visitors guide, calendar of events and championship golf guide, please call the Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-432-1792, or log on to www.visitpwc.com.