Chapel to be dedicated at Corps Museum

The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation will dedicate the Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel at the National Museum of the Marine Corps on Oct. 22, 2009 at 11a.m. The non-denominational chapel will serve as a contemplative space where Marines and other visitors can remember the service and sacrifice of those who have served America.

Designed by Denver-based Fentress Architects, the chapel’s structure evokes images of improvised field chapels familiar to all combat Marines. The timber, glass and stone structure, standing within Semper Fidelis Memorial Park next to the museum, includes an 8-foot-tall etched glass containing the image of a Marine kneeling in prayer before a reflecting pool.

Dedication keynote speakers include Under Secretary of the Navy Robert Work, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Conway, Marine Corps Heritage Foundation president and CEO Lt. Gen. Ron Christmas, and Marine Capt. Timothy Day.

Day and his wife, along with the Timothy Day Foundation, donated $5 million to construct the chapel. The dedication ceremony will include a performance by the U.S. Marine Corps Band, a 21-gun salute, a Navy bell-ringing ceremony and official ribbon-cutting.

For more information, contact Chris Vassil at (202) 414-0779 or cvassil@susandavis.com.