Pentagon
Dec. 15, 2008
General Casey - thank you for that introduction and I join you in welcoming so many distinguished guests for this occasion.
To borrow and butcher a quote by JFK delivered at a gathering of 49 Nobel Prize winners at the White House in 1962 - Never before has such Army talent been assembled in one room, except, perhaps, when General Marshall dined alone.
Today we cut the ribbon and open the Army Corridor and open an extraordinary exhibit that seeks to tell the story of the American Soldier.
The effort was led by Jack Marsh and Shy Meyer - I will talk more about them in a moment. But I also want to recognize the team that worked so hard to make this vision a reality.
We would not be here today were it not for the work by a dedicated team of experts drawn from across the Army:
Aca,!Ac BG (Ret) John Shortal, Assistant Chief of Military History, Center of Military History;
Aca,!Ac COL Robert Dalessandro, Director, U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (Carlisle) - his expert team worked day and night.
Aca,!Ac John Paschal, Museum Specialist, Center of Military History;
Aca,!Ac Julia Simon, Museum Specialist, Center of Military History;
Aca,!Ac Chris Semancik, Curator of Arms and Ordnance, U.S. Army Heritage Museum (Carlisle);
Aca,!Ac Roxann Wallace, Chief Exhibit Designer, U.S. Army Heritage Museum (Carlisle);
Aca,!Ac Molly Bompane, Photography Curator, U.S. Army Military History Institute (Carlisle);
Aca,!Ac Jay Graybeal, Chief Curator, U.S. Army Heritage Museum (Carlisle);
Aca,!Ac Jim McNally, Curator of Fine Art, U.S. Army Heritage Museum (Carlisle)
I would also like to especially recognize Ms. Joyce Morrow, her capable staff, contractors and Army personnel worked diligently to make this exhibit a reality today. As a workman told me last week - we went from nothing to a museum in 67 days! To those who made it happen - thank you and congratulations.
The Army historical collection includes over a 1000000 objects, ranging from the smallest - buttons - to the largest - a railway gun - with only 10% on display today. It is a collection that belongs to the men and women who are the Army and to the American people. It is priceless, with individual pieces worth millions.
But, most of the collection remains stored away most of the time - And the most valuable and fragile and irreplaceable, remain locked away nearly all the time - because we have not had a proper place - safe and secure - to display them. Now we do.
Today, we cut the ribbon on a venue - the Army Corridor - that will allow the most extraordinary pieces and parts of the collection to be shared with our Army and the American people.
The exhibit space in this hall meets the highest professional museum standards with lighting, climate control and security precautions in accordance with the strict requirements of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Work. Because of that, national treasures that have been locked away - are now on display - and will add a human dimension, texture and context to the account of the 233 year history of the American Soldier.
And each year, Pentagon tours, many led by Soldiers of the Old Guard, will bring 125,000 visitors a year through the Army Corridor - and young men and women will be moved by what they see and what they learn and perhaps will be inspired to become part of the legacy of the United States Army.
Thousands of official visitors - including heads of states and military chiefs and soldiers from around the world will visit this corridor every year. And this Hall will remind them - teach them - the history of the U.S. Army. Remind them of the gratitude all free people around the world owe the American Soldier.
And for the extended Army Family - Soldier and Army Civilian and their loved ones - those serving today - and veterans - those who have the privilege to work in this grand building - and bring their children during off hours - and those who pass through over the years - this Corridor will be an ever present reminder of the importance of their work - of the reason for their service and their sacrifice.
An ever-present reminder of how different the history of America would be - in fact how different the history of the world would be, were it not for the United States Army.
This corridor is dedicated to the men and women, Soldier and Army Civilian, and their families who have served our Army over its proud 233 year history. Thank all of you for joining in this dedication.
Before we cut the ribbon officially opening the corridor, General Casey and I want to recognize the two individuals who were instrumental in the plan, design and development of this Army Corridor - former Secretary Marsh and former CSA General Meyer.
These Army leaders shared their time, talent and vision with us and led this effort.
So George, please join me to present these Remington bronze sculptures depicting the "Trooper of the Plains" to Secretary Marsh and General Meyer.
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