Staying Fit
Hundreds of museums across America honor veterans, ranging from large ones sprawling across acres of land to hometown museums with local flavor. The choice can be bewildering.
Here is a list of the best, all offering discounted or free admission for veterans.
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National WWII Museum — New Orleans
Jeffery Johnston/National WWII Museum
Interactive exhibits highlight the role of the ordinary service members from the Greatest Generation and the part played by everyone in the war effort. This, added to stories of world leaders, leaves the visitor with a greater understanding of the price of freedom.
Two popular features of this six-acre museum are the Road to Tokyo and the Arsenal of Democracy. Be sure to see Beyond All Boundaries, a 4D journey of the war, narrated by Tom Hanks.
For more information: National WWII Museum
National Museum of the Marine Corps — Triangle, Virginia
Courtesy National Museum of the Marine Corps
If you’re fascinated by the exploits of the Devil Dogs throughout history, this is the place to head. One of the most popular features is the Legacy Walk, a timeline of 250 years of Marine Corps history. There are also exhibits featuring individual wars and an interactive gallery where visitors can experience the lessons of boot camp and test their marksmanship skills at the M-16 laser rifle range.
For more information: National Museum of the Marine Corps
National Museum of the Mighty 8th Air Force — Savannah, Georgia
Courtesy National Museum of the Mighty Eighth
This museum tells the compelling story of the men who from May 1942 to July 1945 planned and executed America’s strategic daylight bombing campaign against Nazi-occupied Europe.
Among the attractions, you can experience what it was like to fly a bombing mission, view hundreds of aircraft, and walk under an unfurled parachute representing the airmen who bailed out over enemy territory.
For more information: National Museum of the Mighty 8th Air Force
National Vietnam War Museum — Weatherford, Texas
Courtesy National Museum of the Vietnam War
This museum contains outdoor exhibits and memorial gardens that remain open 24/7. A popular inside feature is the Hootch exhibit showing the soldiers’ living quarters in Vietnam. Visitors will come away with a better understanding and compassion for those who served in one of the most misunderstood wars in our history and returned to a nation that in many ways wanted to ignore them.
For more information: National Vietnam War Museum
USS Midway Museum — San Diego
Angel Mannion
Walk in the steps of the men who served on the aircraft carrier that was the largest ship in the world until 1955. The 30 restored aircraft and nearly 10 acres of exhibits amount to the most comprehensive picture of carrier aviation in the world. For a Top Gun experience, try your hand at the flight simulators. From the bridge down to the main engine room, you’ll have an unforgettable adventure suitable for the entire family.
For more information: USS Midway Museum
Navy SEAL Museum — Fort Pierce, Florida
Courtesy Navy SEAL Museum
Located on the training site of the first Navy combat divers, the frogmen of World War II, this is the only museum dedicated solely to the Navy SEALs, who in recent history carried out the mission that resulted in the death of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.
On display, you’ll see vehicles, vessels, tactical equipment and weaponry from the secret world of naval special warfare. The Memorial Wall reminds Americans how important the SEALs will always will be to our country.
For more information: Navy SEAL Museum
