2008-06-02 23:50:24 -

- National Museum of the Marine Corps Chris Vassil, 202-414-0779 cvassil@susandavis.com Flag Day, Saturday, June 14, is Family Day at the National Museum of the Marine Corps with outdoor activities along with the dedications of a new, interactive children's playground and two historical markers interpreting the colonial era King's Highway. The playground and historical marker dedication will take place at 10:30a.m. with officials of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and National Museum of the Marine Corps participating, and will include performances by the Marine Corps Fife & Drum Corps. Children of all ages are invited to come be the first to swing, jump and climb at the new playground, the latest feature at the expanding Marine Corps Heritage Center.

Several activities will also be held throughout the day, including a natural history walk, children's physical fitness training and landscape art workshop. Join a National Park Service ranger from Prince William Forest Park to learn more about the natural history of the Marine Corps Heritage Center site. The walk takes place 9:30a.m.-10:15a.m., beginning at the playground entrance. For the child athlete, "Semper Fit" is a short physical fitness training session led by active duty Marines, taking place at 11:30a.m., 2:30p.m., and 3:30p.m. at the playground. Artists of all ages are invited to join a Marine Corps combat artist and learn the basics of how to create a landscape masterpiece. Workshops begin at the playground entrance at 1:30p.m. and 3:30p.m.

Throughout the day the Museum's classroom will house a Create a Cap Workshop, teaching students about the formal Marine Corps hat, or "cover," and giving them the opportunity to create their own. The Museum's Quarterdeck School Circle will also include story and art workshops on our nation's flag, Old Glory.

The second deck of the Museum features artist Tom Hubbard's traveling exhibit "SEMPER FIDELIS: How I Met My Father." The multi-media show features 20 works of original art, inspired by the artist's personal journey to learn about his father, a U.S. Marine killed in Vietnam. In 2000, Hubbard traveled to Vietnam to trace his father's steps, documenting the journey along the way. His show combines photography and graphic design and will be on display at the Museum through July 7.

Newly installed cases in the Museum's Global War on Terrorism gallery will display over 100 objects from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Artifacts include Marine Corps uniforms, flight suits and protective gear, unmanned aerial vehicles, captured improvised explosive device (IED) components and an Iraqi voting kit.

With hundreds of artifacts and immersive and interactive exhibits, the National Museum of the Marine Corps appeals to the entire family. Receiving over 800,000 visitors in less than two years, the Museum has established itself as a major Virginia destination for families across the region. Rotating galleries and activities, along with the future expansion and addition of several era galleries, there is always something exciting and new to see at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. -0- What: Flag Day is Family Day When: Saturday, June 14, 2008 Playground and Historical Marker Dedication: 10:30a.m. Natural History Walk: 9:30a.m. Semper Fit Physical Fitness: 11:30a.m., 2:30p.m., 3:30p.m. Landscape Art Workshop: 1:30p.m. and 3:30p.m. Create a Cap and Flag Day Story and Art Workshop: All Day Where: National Museum of the Marine Corps 18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy. Triangle, VA 22172

For more information on Flag Day activities, visit www.usmcmuseum.org or call 1-877-635-1775.

National Museum of the Marine Corps Hosts Family Day with
Dedication of New Children's Playground