Marines dedicate Semper Fidelis Chapel

Semper Fidelis -- always faithful. Words that Marines live by.

Those words took on an even deeper meaning Thursday as the Semper Fidelis Chapel at the National Museum of the Marine Corps was dedicated during a ceremony that drew a crowd of 200 invited guests to the facility in Triangle.

Marine Corps Heritage Foundation CEO and President retired Lt. Gen. Ron Christmas explained that the Corps adopted its motto of "Semper Fidelis" in 1833.

"I believe 'Semper Fidelis' are key words to live by," he said. "They signify love of our God, our family, our country and our Corps. It is here such love and faithfulness will be celebrated for all time."

Sunlight streamed through the windows of the chapel, which also reflected the reds and oranges of the foliage that surround the building, located on a slight rise adjacent to the museum.

The chapel itself was made possible by a $5 million grant from Tim and Sandy Day and the Timothy T. Day Foundation in Phoenix. Day served in the Marine Corps from 1959 to 1962, attaining the rank of captain.

"As far back as I can remember, I wanted to be a Marine," Tim Day said. "I'm not sure what attracted me. I do know every Marine I encountered as a young boy was sharp."

Day said that his service in the Corps completed his transformation from youth to manhood. He said the values the Corps instilled into him made him who he is in both his personal and professional life.

"Once a Marine, always a Marine," he said. "For us, it's a great honor to contribute in a small way to the legacy of our Corps."

"Since I married him, the Marine Corps has become a huge part of my life," Sandy Day said. "Every day I see how the Marine Corps impacted his life."

Fentress Architects of Denver, the same architectural firm that designed the museum, designed the nondenominational chapel. General contractor Forrester Construction Company of Rockville, Md., provided direction and oversight, and the chapel's timber framing was constructed by Creek Timber Framing.

The 2,100 square foot building evokes images of improved field chapels -- sure to be familiar to all service members -- and was constructed using natural materials such as stone and timber.

"This is a solemn, beautiful place of peace and remembrance," said Under Secretary of the Navy Robert O. Work, who spent 27 years in the Corps.

The chapel has 77 seats and can accommodate up to 140 people. An iconic image of a Marine kneeling in prayer is etched into glass behind the altar, along with a verse of the hymn "Eternal Father, Strong to Save." The hymn has been played and sung at the funeral of presidents Franklin Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan. An exterior water feature cascades down four levels behind the altar, emptying into a reflection pool visible from inside the chapel, representing the Marines' service at sea with the Navy.

The ceremony included a performance by the Marine Corps Base Quantico Band, a prayer of dedication, a bell ringing, playing of Taps and ribbon cutting.

Military editor Julia LeDoux can be reached at 703-369-5718.