Museum Chapel Opens

"This will serve as a place of remembrance for Marines past and present and a place for all Americans to honor those who've served," said retired Lt. Gen. Ron Christmas, the president of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.

The Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel opened its doors Oct. 22 at its dedication ceremony.

"This chapel is very important, as evident by the more than 150 present to see it dedicated, said General James T. Conway, the Commandant of the Marine Corps. "The Marine Corps has had lots of chapels at tree lines, the hood of a HUMVEE or on a ship. This chapel has raised the bar for chapels and it is exactly where it should be - at the National Museum of the Marine Corps."

The benefactor of the chapel spoke of what the chapel means to him.

"I was very moved and impress by the concept," said Timothy Day who along with his wife, Sandy Day, donated $5 million to the building campaign. The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation covered the rest of the total $6.8 million expenses.

"My wife pulled me aside and told me this is going to be very important to the Marine Corps and to your legacy," Day said. "How do you say no to that? It is a great honor to assist, if even in a small way, the legacy of the Marine Corps."

Speakers talked about what people might feel when they enter the chapel.

"I think of a few things will happen when we go inside," Conway said. "We will look through the crowd and see if we recognize any Marine we have served with. We will sit on a bench and think of the Marines who have passed before us. And, before we leave, we will say a prayer and thank God we were born in this great land."

"It's a beautiful place of peace, reflection, celebration and remembrance," said Robert Work, the undersecretary of the Navy. "We dedicate this place for all Marines, former Marines, family and friends."