Special offer

The Three Flags Over Quantico - One Flies Proudly At Half Mast

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Administrative Manager

When most people in Northern Virginia think of Quantico they think of MCB Quantico.  That is only natural since it is one of the largest USMC bases in the world and one of the larger employers in Northern Virginia.  However, the American flag flies over 3 places named Quantico.

1. The Town of Quantico is totally surrounded by MCB Quantico.  It only has a population of about 600 people, but Marines take full advantage of the off base services it provides.  Although our flag flies throughout Quantico it is probably one of the only towns in the US that flies the flag from parking meters.

2. MCB Quantico is a 59,000 acre military base which is home to the USMC Combat Development Command, the FBI Academy and the DEA training facility.  Of course, the most prominent flag on base is the American flag above the replica of the Iwo Jima statue at the entrance on US 1.

3. Quantico National Cemetery  The DOD donated 725 acres to the Veterans Administration to open a national cemetery on the grounds of MCB Quantico.  It was formally dedicated 25 years ago in 1983.  Over 18,000 deceased members of the military are currently resting at peace there.  Most visitors are surprised to not see any crosses there as they do at Arlington National Cemetery.  Grave markers are laid horizontally facing upward.

Four times a year flags donated by survivors are displayed on the Avenue of Flags - the days are Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day and Flag Day.

I periodically visit the cemetery - I have 2 friends and 1 comrade interred there

To Conclude  The first 2 pictures below are of Quantico and MCB Quantico while the rest were taken at Quantico National Cemetery - they really do not need commentary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments (2)

Marchel Peterson
Results Realty - Spring, TX
Spring TX Real Estate E-Pro

ART, I found your post about Quantico very interesting.  I have of course heard of Quantico all my life but just thought of it as the FBI Academy and the DEA training facility; I did not know the rest of the story.

Aug 22, 2008 01:05 PM
Art Kruschka
Administrative Manager - Manassas, VA
Manassas Woodbridge Dumfries Real Estate Sevices

Marchel  Thank you, I'm glad I could clarify it for you - those of us who have been in the Corps and live so close to it just think everybody else knows all about it,  Art 

Aug 22, 2008 01:30 PM