Semper Fidelis Memorial Park

Semper Fidelis Memorial Park overlooks the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Dedicated to the service of all Marines, it is a place of remembrance and reflection. The Park is located on approximately 23.3 acres of high ground and is an important part of the Museum visitor’s experience. Interwoven paths cross and meet at significant rally points where monuments erected to honor various Marine Corps organizations and those who served in them provide places for visitors to pause and contemplate.  
 
The Marine Corps Heritage Center also includes the Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel, located adjacent to the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Dedicated in 2009, the award-winning chapel has become a focal point of Semper Fidelis Memorial Park. The nondenominational chapel seats approximately 90 worshipers and is a venue of choice for weddings, funerals and other significant events. 
 
In addition to benches and memorials, 30,000 commemorative bricks line portions of the paths throughout Semper Fidelis Memorial Park. Family members and friends may donate bricks engraved with the names of their loved ones to forever attest to the honor, courage and commitment that embody the Marine Corps.
 
Semper Fidelis Memorial Park includes 1.07 miles of trails. The ADA compliant pathways provide additional access to Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel and the southern section of the Old Kings Highway, as well as Prince William County Park Authority’s Locust Shade Park.
 
The park provides visitors with three scenic overlooks, the Timothy T. Day Overlook, The Patrick F. Taylor Overlook and the Chesty Puller Overlook. These overlooks welcome visitors at different points around the park, providing quiet, peaceful areas for reflection and contemplation.  
 
Click here to view Park locator with roll of honor, brick & more.
Click here to view a map of the Park with monument listing.
Park Monuments
The monuments within Semper Fidelis Memorial Park honor Marines of the past and present. Each monument is a place of reflection for Marines, family members, friends, and the visiting public, who can become more aware of Marine Corps history and the sacrifices made to protect the freedom of our Nation. The Park comes alive with strategically-placed commemorative statues of former Commandant of the Marine Corps LtGen John A. Lejeune, LtGen Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller, Iron Mike, Molly Marine and Sgt. Reckless – The Korean War Horse.
 
The monuments featured in the park include:
  • Lieutenant General John A. Lejeune
  • Osprey Memorial
  • Ripley’s Raiders
  • Fallen Warrior
  • 3rd Battalion 26th Marines
  • HMM-364/881 South
  • Marine Veterans Memorial
  • The Tank Infantry Team
  • Force Reconnaissance, Special Operations
  • Sgt. Reckless, Korean War Horse
  • TBS Class 3-67 and 41st OCC
  • Fire Department New York 9/11
  • 2nd Battalion 1st Marines
  • 3rd Battalion 3rd Marines
  • Hotel Company 2/7
  • Golf Company 2/7
  • Marine Corps Engineers
  • USS Arizona
  • 5th Special Basic Course
  • Basic School Class 1-57
  • Echo Company 2/7
  • The Chosin Few
  • TBS Class 3-57
  • VMO-6
  • 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1stMarines
  • HML/HMLA-167
  • BOC 1-69
  • BAR on the Beach
  • War Dog
  • Seagoing Marines
  • The Magnificent Bastards
  • HMM-362 Ugly Angels
  • Lieutenant General Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller
  • Denigs Demon’s
  • China Marines
  • G-3-1 Korea
  • 5th Officers Basic Class 1948
  • The Boys of ‘67
  • Molly Marine
  • Iron Mike
Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel

Situated in the woods of Semper Fidelis Memorial Park, the Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel is a nondenominational chapel that serves as a contemplative space where Marines and all visitors can remember the service and sacrifices of those who have served our nation. Dedicated October 22, 2009, with a ceremony including Under Secretary of the Navy Robert Work and Marine Corps Commandant General James Conway, the chapel provides a special place for reflection, enhancing the visitor experience to the Marine Corps Heritage Center campus.

Designed by Denver-based Fentress Architects, architects of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, the chapel’s structure evokes images of improvised field chapels familiar to all Marines. Constructed using natural materials such as stone and timber, the chapel, with its glass walls, was built upon the concept of a "transparent chapel in the woods," allowing visitors to remain connected to the surrounding nature. With seating for 77 and the ability to hold up to 140 people, the chapel is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is available for weddings, funerals and other ceremonies through the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.

Read Washington Times article on the Chapel
Picture
Semper Fidelis Memorial Park
Photo Gallery from Chapel Dedication
Children's Playground
An interactive children's playground at the Marine Corps Heritage Center has three levels of entertainment to swing, jump and climb, the playground is loved by families with children of all ages.