Columbus, Georgia’s, National Infantry Museum is home to new memorial and will host dedication events
The National Infantry Museum in Columbus, Georgia, will hold a dedication of the new Global War on Terrorism Memorial at 11 a.m. October 16, 2017.
The memorial to the Global War on Terrorism includes eight granite panels etched with the names of nearly 7,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who have died in service to GWOT since 9/11. A 13-foot steel beam taken from the wreckage of the World Trade Center and donated to the museum by New York City firefighters sits atop concrete columns representing the Twin Towers. The memorial features nine bronze figures representing an Infantry squad, illustrations of each service’s role in protecting our nation and narrative panels chronicling the nation’s longest war.
The joint-service memorial stands in honor of all service members who have served in the Global War on Terrorism since 9/11 and the families who support them. This includes active duty, veterans and those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice defending their country.
The event includes a fundraising dinner the night before the dedication and a private breakfast for Gold Star Families on the day of the ceremony. Patriot Guard Riders will provide escorts and honor guards, and will lead a convoy of motorcyclists traveling to the museum.
EVENT DETAILS
The public is invited to the dedication event. Parking at the museum will be limited; please register at www.NationalInfantryMuseum.org/gwot-dedication to receive an emailed parking pass. Those who live or work oFort Moore are asked to use free shuttle transportation provided at these three pickup points: McGinnis-Wickham Hall East Lot, Brave Rifles Field at Harmony Church, and Kannell Field at Sand Hill.
GEN (Ret) John Abizaid will be the guest speaker for the dedication. Abizaid retired from the United States Army after 34 years, earning four stars and becoming the longest-serving commander of United States Central Command. Other speakers include Army Lieutenant General (Retired) Tom Metz, Brigadier General Chris Donahue and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps (Retired) Carlton Kent. Chaplain Yonina Creditor of Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, a Navy rabbi, will host the closing prayer. She was an EMT in New York City at Ground Zero after the attacks of September 11, 2001. The ceremony will close out with Taps and a missing man flyby.
Organizers expect thousands of veterans and active duty military to attend the dedication event, along with top service commanders from each of the branches.
ANCILLARY EVENTS
In addition to the October 16 dedication, media are invited to cover the fundraising dinner at 6 p.m. October 15 and the Gold Star breakfast at 9 a.m. October 16. The dinner will feature remarks by two Gold Star family members and Army General (Retired) Barry McCaffrey. The breakfast will give Gold Star families an opportunity to reconnect and reflect in advance of the ceremony. Please contact Cyndy Cerbin at 706-653-9234 to make arrangements well in advance of the event.
The Museum, normally closed on Mondays, will open at noon on October 16 and remain open until 5 p.m.
Dignitaries available for interviews include:
General (Retired) John Abizaid, the longest serving commander in GWOT
General (Retired) Barry McCaffrey, military analyst and Vice Chairman of the National Infantry Museum Advisory Board
Lieutenant General (Retired) Tom Metz, Chairman and CEO of the National Infantry Museum Foundation
MG Eric Wesley, Commandant, Maneuver Center of Excellence
Colonel (Retired) Greg Camp, President and COO of the National Infantry Museum Foundation
SMA Dan Dailey, Sergeant Major of the Army