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Carolina Museum of the Marine opens in Jacksonville with ribbon-cutting and eternal-flame ceremony
Summary
Military leaders, state officials and major donors gathered in Jacksonville to celebrate the opening of the Carolina Museum of the Marine, which organizers said will preserve local Marines’ history, educate visitors and inspire future service. The galleries will open to the public on Monday.
Jacksonville, North Carolina — The Carolina Museum of the Marine held a ribbon-cutting and eternal-flame ceremony on Friday, with military leaders, elected officials and private donors praising the project as a decades-long effort to preserve the history and legacy of Marines from the Carolinas.
"This museum honors our legacy," said Major General Joe Schrader, retired, president and CEO of the Carolina Museum of the Marine, describing a 26-year effort to create a permanent home where "young men and women are going to see these exhibits and they're going to make a decision to say, 'I want to be a Marine.'" Schrader thanked veterans, donors, construction partners and volunteers who carried the museum forward.
Brian Stan, president and CEO of Hunt Military Communities, the event’s presenting sponsor, said his company will "stand side by side with you" and framed the museum as supporting the all-volunteer force by celebrating service and inspiring future recruits.
Pastor Russ Hemble delivered the invocation, blessing the museum staff, volunteers and exhibits and asking that the facility "represent them well and stand as a lasting tribute to the service and sacrifice of Carolina marines and sailors." The invocation preceded remarks and the ceremonial lighting of an eternal flame organizers called a "permanent symbol of eternal gratitude and remembrance."
Sen. Michael Lazar, credited by speakers with helping secure resources for the project, and Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt each spoke of the museum’s educational and commemorative roles. "This is such a special day not just for Jacksonville and Onslow County, but for our entire state," Hunt said, urging visitors to view the museum as both a memorial and a learning institution.
Keynote speaker Lieutenant General Cal Worth placed the museum in a broader military context, noting efforts to modernize forces and citing a planned $65.8 billion investment "that will ensure that we actually have the amphibious warfare ships that we need." He said the museum will connect the Marine Corps’ past sacrifices to the service’s present and future missions.
Organizers invited donors and veterans to light the eternal flame, then joined senior leaders for the ribbon cutting. The ceremony closed with a performance of "Anchors Aweigh." Guests were told the galleries are now open for a preview and that the museum plans a public opening on Monday; staff warned some exhibits and railings are still being secured and asked visitors to take care.
The museum said it will host a reception in the on-site café and encouraged attendees to view the exhibits, many of which organizers said are intended to highlight the role of Marines, sailors and their families from the Carolinas. No formal votes or policy actions were taken during the ceremony.
