The City of Arlington has just expanded its cultural map with the official opening of the National Medal of Honor Museum, which swung open its doors to the public yesterday. The museum, an architectural nod to the nation's military history, serves as a new landmark within Arlington's Entertainment District, set prominently at 1861 AT&T Way, conveniently near Choctaw Stadium. Visitors are now welcome to explore the vast 100,000-square-foot space, which houses 31,000-square-foot Exhibition Galleries.
Aside from the galleries which delve into the profound history of the Medal of Honor and the narratives of its valorous recipients, the museum also features a theater named in memory of Colonel Neel E. Kearby, a local World War II hero who was recognized for his exceptional courage as an Army Air Force fighter pilot in the Pacific, Kearby, born in Wichita Falls and an alumnus of the University of Texas at Arlington, has been immortalized at the museum with his astonishing combat record, including the day he took down six enemy aircraft despite facing odds of 12-to-1.
With a pricing strategy that accommodates various groups, adult tickets at the museum start at $30. At the same time, those for youth aged 7-12, seniors 65 and older, and military members are offered at reduced rates. Children under the age of six are welcomed free of charge, inviting families to create lasting memories without the burden of additional costs. Operating from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, the museum also announces a gesture of gratitude towards veterans, with the aerospace giant Boeing enabling free admission for all service members during the first week following the museum's grand opening.
During the museum's opening week—running from March 25 to March 28—veterans can capitalize on free admission thanks to a partnership with Boeing, as "We are deeply grateful to Boeing for making it possible for veterans to visit the Museum free of charge during our Grand Opening Week," Chris Cassidy, the NMOHMF President, and CEO said in a statement, detailed by the City of Arlington news release, recognizing the company's contributions to celebrating military service. Boeing's involvement is apt, given that its aircraft have been integral to many of the gallant episodes featuring Medal of Honor Recipients, a point expressed by Betsy Martin, director of Boeing Global Engagement, who affirmed, "This partnership underscores Boeing’s steadfast commitment to honoring those who have given so much to our country."
