Quantico, Va -- Three members of the Marine Corps Reserve Centennial Team received the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s 2017 Colonel John Magruder award April 29, 2017 at the National Museum of the Marine Corps for their Centennial Exhibit at the Pentagon.
The three awardees –Project Leader Cori Parker, Graphic Designer Gunnery Sergeant Elizabeth Inglese and Historian Gunnery Sergeant Brian Knowles, all collaborated on the design and construction of the exhibit. They each received a cash prize, a medal, and an engraved brick to be placed in Semper Fidelis Park adjacent to the museum.
August 29, 2016 marked the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian, commander of Marine Forces Reserve, used this milestone to launch a campaign of awareness. The objectives of the campaign were to celebrate the history and heritage of the Marine Corps Reserve, highlight the remarkable contributions of Reserve Marines to that history and thank the families, employers and supporters that allow reserve Marines to accomplish their mission.
Design and construction of the Centennial Exhibit was a key project in the campaign. Development of this project occurred over ten months, in which, the team researched, curated, and designed all aspects of the exhibit. It spans thirty-four feet and was installed in the heavily-trafficked Pentagon A-Ring; the team expedited construction and installation of the exhibit to ensure completion by the Marine Corps Birthday in November 2016, which enabled the Commandant of the Marine Corps to cut the ribbon. Staff from Office of Marine Forces North and Headquarters USMC Publishing and Logistics Management Branch assisted in editing, proofing, and contracting the exhibit. The display features three large lenticular images of Marines that change between legacy uniforms to modern Marine Corps uniforms. The four collage panels show imagery representing contributions by Reserve Marines from World War I, World War II, Korea, and OEF and OIF. Major facts about the Marine Corps’ Reserve Component are layered throughout the design to ensure a busy Pentagon employee can easily view and learn from the exhibit during the course of their transit past the display.
“It is an honor to receive an award from the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation for this display, and we are proud that we could showcase the Marine Corps Reserve with this enduring historical artwork in the Pentagon.” said Cori Parker, project lead.
The exhibit, now a permanent fixture in the high visibility area of the Pentagon will now serve as a continuous reminder of the enormous sacrifices and contributions reserve Marines have made to help shape the reputation of the Marine Corps as the world’s most formidable fighting force. (U.S. Marine Corps Story by Marine Forces Reserve Public Affairs)