Getaway Guide To Veterans Memories

ARMY

Dad was Army during "The War to End All Wars", World War I. He was posted to West Point, a choice billet. Today the U.S. Military Academy there offers guided tours of this Hudson Valley landmark. The Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt home at Hyde Park is nearby. Closer to home, near Penn State, Army vets will find the Pennsylvania Military Museum. Beautiful grounds and fascinating collections focus on Keystone State National Guard and regular Army members during 20th century conflicts. When traveling to upstate New York, take in Fort Ticonderoga overlooking Lake Champlain. A day trip near home yields a look at early Army life at the storied Revolutionary encampment in Valley Forge.

NAVY

My favorite Navy getaway destination is Annapolis, Maryland, home of the U.S. Naval Academy. Walking the campus is a journey into America's Naval History from its early beginnings. Do see the museum tracing the traditions and heritage of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Then visit the last resting place of our first naval hero, John Paul Jones. It's in the crypt under the chapel. Naval Aviation history is alive and well at the Naval Air Station Museum near Wildwood, N.J. The focus here is on World War II and it's daring dive bomber pilots. There's also an impressive Coast Guard exhibit. In nearby New York, the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum showcases military planes, vessels and space flight against the backdrop of a fabled aircraft carrier. At home, a day trip to Penn's Landing reveals the Cruiser Olympia and Submarine Becuna. Camden welcomes visitors to the Battleship New Jersey.

MARINES

The history and proud tradition of the U.S. Marine Corps on land, sea and in the air is brought to life at the National Museum of the Marine Corps south of Washington. It takes you from victory over the Barbary Pirates to present day conflicts through state-of-the-art exhibits at this relatively new and technologically advanced showcase. Major Marine exhibits are also front and center at the Annapolis Naval Academy and at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum.

AIR FORCE

a most comprehensive look at our modern day Air Force from its beginnings as a branch of the Army to the present globe girdling service can be found at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington. Follow along as the Air Force leads the way in transitioning from the bi-plane to the jet age in war and peace. Closer to home, a day trip or weekend getaway to the Dover Air Force base in Delaware and its Air Mobility Command Museum. Indoor and outdoor exhibits unveil the most complete collection of Air Force cargo and transport aircraft. They're combined with meticulously preserved warplanes including a famed Flying Fortress. And you'll get a look at the World War II entry of women as wartime flyers in the "WASPS, the Women's Airforce Service Pilots. Other nearby Air Force exhibits can be found at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum and at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum on the grounds of the Reading, Pennsylvania Airport.

COAST GUARD

I recently spent a long weekend at New London, Connecticut, home of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. The museum on the grounds of the academy overlooking the scenic Thames River traces the history of the nation's oldest seagoing service from its formation by Alexander Hamilton through service in every American conflict since the 18th century. When it's at home, America's Tall Ship, the Eagle can be found at the Academy dock. Coast Guard veterans often visit the cutter Taney at Baltimore's Inner Harbor, the last surviving vessel from the attack on Pearl Harbor. Coast Guard tributes and exhibits are also found nearby at the Cape May Training Center which opens to visitors on select weekends during the summer, at the Wildwood Aviation Museum and at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum.

MERCHANT MARINE AND ARMED GUARD

America's fifth service school, the Merchant Marine Academy lies on the Long Island Sound and has trained generations of seagoing officers. The service has a rich history of delivering vital cargo to war zones around the world. It gained prominence through its gallant service in manning the imperiled convoys that kept our troops and allies supplied during a two ocean conflict in World War II. The Armed Guard that manned transport and cargo ship guns played a key role in protecting the vessels against surface and air attacks. The museum on the Merchant Marine grounds is open by appointment. One of the two remaining World War II "Liberty" ships, manned by the Merchant Marine and Armed Guard is normally open to visitors and offers short cruises at Baltimore's Inner Harbor, but is temporarily sidelined for pier renovations. Check for a return to operation at: ssjohnwbrown.org

There are locations across the country to see one-of-a-kind military ships, planes, artillery - even battlegrounds. Some might even surprise. The last of the WWII Martin Mariner Navy flying boats is at a museum in an Arizona desert. So when you reach any destination, check on military exhibits. You might just find one with a personal connection.