PR: Beetle Bailey Argues for Army Museum

This museum is intended for the Washington area.

 

For Immediate Release: October 1, 2012

Contact: COL David R. Fabian (USA-Ret.)

(703) 562-4162

 

 

Beetle Bailey Character Argues for National Army Museum

 

ARLINGTON, Va. – After more than 60 years bemoaning the hard work that comes with being a young Soldier in the U.S. Army, Beetle Bailey focused his distress last Sunday on a much more legitimate protest – America has no national museum recognizing the service of all Army Soldiers. While reclining in usual fashion on his barrack's cot, the leading character of Mort Walker's award winning comic strip lists the types of real-life sacrifices made by Soldiers before saying with exasperation, "At least we deserve a National Army Museum or some thanks for what we do." In the end, Bailey is temporarily appeased by another Soldier's handshake as a show of appreciation. However, this star of one of the most widely-read comics in the world, like all Soldiers and Army supporters, is still rallying support to build the actual National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

 

The Army Historical Foundation is currently leading the campaign to construct the National Army Museum. This facility will be the first museum to tell the complete history of the U.S. Army from 1775 through today. Fourteen generations of Americans – approximately 30 million men and women – have proudly worn the Army uniform.  Currently the Army is the country's only military service not represented by its own national museum.

 

Mort Walker, one of the longest-drawing cartoonists in history, served in the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II, and was discharged as a First Lieutenant in 1947. In portraying the lighter side of military life, Mort Walker's support of the military has earned him the praise of the highest ranking officials. He was given the Decoration for Distinguished Civilian Service by the United States Army, the highest award the Secretary of the Army can present a civilian.  During his distinguished career as a cartoonist, he has earned numerous awards including induction into the Museum of Cartoon Art Hall of Fame. Walker now extends his support of the military to endorsing the National Museum of the United States Army.

 

The September 30 edition of Beetle Bailey can be found here. Beetle Bailey is syndicated by King Features. 

 

About The Army Historical Foundation

The Army Historical Foundation establishes, assists, and promotes programs and projects which preserve the history of the American Soldier and promote public understanding of and appreciation for the contributions by all components of the U.S. Army and its members.  The Foundation serves as the Army's official fundraising entity for the Capital Campaign for the National Museum of the United States Army.  The Museum will be constructed at Fort Belvoir, Va., to honor the service and sacrifice of all American Soldiers who have served since the Army's inception in 1775.  For more information about the Foundation, the National Museum of the United States Army, and the Soldier's Registry, visit www.armyhistory.org.

 

 

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