My family and I recently visited the new National Infantry Museum just outside Fort Benning in Columbus
It really is a spectacular place. You will walk away with a keen perspective of life as an infantryman as well as a worth of knowledge about the many wars the United States has been involved in.
The exhibit "The last 100 yards" is the first one we entered. The scenes feature cast figures of real infantry soldiers who sat or stood for hours while the molds were being made. Inside you will see an actual WW II Glider, a Huey Helicopter and the Bradley Fighting Vehicle.
"The Fort Benning Gallery" shows the training a soldier endures as well the history of Fort Benning.
Four of the six era galleries are open. We visited each one. The first was titled "Entering the International Stage". It tells the history of WWI and takes you from 1898-1920. the second, "A World Power" takes you from 1920-1947. The third, "The Cold War" features scenes from Vietnam and takes you from 1947-1989. The final exhibit entitled "The Sole Superpower" is from 1989 to the present day.
The children loved the simulated rifle range. We were able to shoot actual M4's and M16's. For $5.00 you can shoot 20 rounds at moving targets. You be surprised how heavy the guns are. I scored 16 out of 20 which was a shock.
The areas only IMAX theater is located in the museum. It is 5 stories high and 70 feet wide. We watched Lewis and Clark: Great Journey West. It was amazing! Even the children loved it and did not even realize they were watching a documentary. The sound system is one to be reckoned with and you feel as though you are a part of the story. I can't wait to see the 3D version of Sea Monsters: A #D Prehistoric Adventure.
Outside the museum is the Heritage Walk featuring commemorative pavers depicting names of soldiers loved ones have ordered and have been placed there. The walk leads to a five acre parade field where ceremonies are held for infantry school graduates.
If you live nearby or are in the area you must visit the museum. It was a wonderful experience and we all walked away with a deeper sense of pride for our country and the soldiers that defend it.
Terri Griffis
Shepherd brokers.com GMAC Real Estate
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