Front and Center Newsletter – Vol. 5, No. 6, June 2026

Left to right: NC Senator Mike Lazzara, NC Lt Gov Rachel Hunt, U.S. Marine Corps LtGen Cal Worth Jr., Commanding General, II Marine Expeditionary Force, LtGen Mark Faulkner, USMC (Ret), MajGen Joe Shrader, USMC (Ret), and SgtMaj Joe Houle, USMC (Ret) cut the ribbon as Carolina Museum of the Marines prepares to open its doors June 8th.

DVIDS 06.05.2026 Photo by Lance Cpl. Erica Padgett, Marine Corps Installations East 

The Day has finally arrived. Carolina Museum of the Marine opens to the public this month, Monday 8 June. Of course, there is much that can be said about this celebratory day, and much that has been said, but this month, June 2026, we begin in earnest both to commemorate and remember the achievements and sacrifices of Carolina Marines and Sailors, and to attend to the mission of learning from their examples how better to think independently, to appreciate the importance of being a good “citizen” in the home and in our communities, and to love our country and seek to improve it. The first part of this description is clearly the worthy mission of the museum, and the second part is the mission of the Al Gray Marine Leadership Forum as General Gray himself discussed it. The idea is to take the examples of Carolina Marines and Sailors as the starting places from which to teach Americans more generally about our history and our American traditions for the benefit of all regardless of military service.

We are human, and so we have flaws, and because of this, our communities have flaws. Yet, we are human, and so we have minds and we have wills that are free, and thus we may attend with reason and commitment to the improvement of ourselves and our communities. We’ve had more than one occasion at “Front and Center” to recall the advice of Albert Jay Nock in his remarkable Memoirs of a Superfluous Man on how to improve society, arguing that we improve as a society one person at a time through personal desire and initiative, or in Nock’s pungent language, in the matter of improving society, we can do no better than to present it with one improved unit. This is perfectly consistent with the first principle of Marine Corps leadership: Know yourself, and seek self-improvement. This goes far to explain the mission of Carolina Museum of the Marine and the Al Gray Marine Leadership Forum.

Our motto at Carolina Museum of the Marine is “Meet the Marine, be Inspired.” We should remember the achievements and sacrifices of Carolina Marines and Sailors, but we may also learn from their examples and become inspired to embrace the healthy and bracing project of self-improvement, which in turns improves everything that is human. For those people who are attached to this mission, we come now, at last, to the beginning of the worthy work of remembering, honoring, and learning in ways that not only preserve a legacy, but improve a people and a country.

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Create lasting memories in one of eastern North Carolina’s most inspiring venues. Whether you’re planning a military promotion or retirement ceremony, a military ball, a civic gathering, a corporate event, or a family celebration, the Carolina Museum of the Marine offers a unique setting where history, honor, and hospitality come together. Learn more about hosting your event at the Museum.

A visit to the Carolina Museum of the Marine is about more than exploring galleries and discovering inspiring stories—it is also a place to gather, connect, and reflect.

Located within the museum, the Carolina MAGTF Café, proudly presented by the Minges Family, is operated by veteran-owned Milk Road Coffee Shop of Jacksonville. Visitors can enjoy hot coffee, smoothies, Pepsi products, and a selection of light breakfast and lunch offerings throughout the day.

Whether you’re meeting friends before exploring the museum, taking a break between exhibits, or relaxing after a walk through Lejeune Memorial Gardens, the café offers a welcoming space to recharge. Guests may choose to dine indoors or enjoy outdoor seating overlooking Patriots Park and the museum grounds.

The Carolina MAGTF Café is one more way the museum serves as a gathering place for our community while supporting the mission of honoring Carolina Marines and Sailors and inspiring future generations.

We invite you to stop by, enjoy a refreshment, and make the Carolina MAGTF Café part of your museum experience.

Every visit to the Carolina Museum of the Marine offers an opportunity to discover inspiring stories, connect with our shared history, and create lasting memories. Now, visitors can take a piece of that experience home.

The Museum Store features a growing selection of apparel, gifts, books, souvenirs, and exclusive Carolina Museum of the Marine merchandise. Whether you’re looking for a meaningful keepsake, a gift for a Marine or veteran, or a way to show your support for the museum, you’ll find something for every age and interest.

Can’t visit in person? Many of your favorite items are also available through our online store, making it easy to shop from anywhere while supporting the museum’s mission.

Every purchase helps support the Carolina Museum of the Marine and our efforts to honor Carolina Marines and Sailors, preserve their stories, and inspire future generations.

Be sure to stop by the Museum Store during your next visit—or explore our online shop and carry the mission home wherever you are.