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The flag raised on Iwo Jima that was made famous by the Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal inside the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Va., on Feb. 19, 2015.

The flag raised on Iwo Jima that was made famous by the Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal inside the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Va., on Feb. 19, 2015. (Meredith Tibbetts/Stars and Stripes)

The flag raised on Iwo Jima that was made famous by the Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal inside the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Va., on Feb. 19, 2015.

The flag raised on Iwo Jima that was made famous by the Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal inside the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Va., on Feb. 19, 2015. (Meredith Tibbetts/Stars and Stripes)

There is so much to look at inside the museum, but don't forget to look up. Figures dangle from the ceiling at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Va., on Feb. 15, 2015.

There is so much to look at inside the museum, but don't forget to look up. Figures dangle from the ceiling at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Va., on Feb. 15, 2015. (Meredith Tibbetts/Stars and Stripes)

Looking down the rifle on display at the National Museum of the Marine Corps on Feb. 19, 2015.

Looking down the rifle on display at the National Museum of the Marine Corps on Feb. 19, 2015. (Meredith Tibbetts/Stars and Stripes)

An exhibit inside the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Feb. 19, 2015, near the Revolutionary War exhibits.

An exhibit inside the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Feb. 19, 2015, near the Revolutionary War exhibits. (Meredith Tibbetts/Stars and Stripes)

When entering the National Museum of the Marine Corps, visitors first walk into the Leatherneck Gallery, where planes hang from the ceiling and a few large displays rest. Along the edge of the see-through ceiling (covered slightly in snow in this Feb. 19, 2015 photo), are quotes by famous Marines.

When entering the National Museum of the Marine Corps, visitors first walk into the Leatherneck Gallery, where planes hang from the ceiling and a few large displays rest. Along the edge of the see-through ceiling (covered slightly in snow in this Feb. 19, 2015 photo), are quotes by famous Marines. (Meredith Tibbetts/Stars and Stripes)

When entering the National Museum of the Marine Corps, visitors first walk into the Leatherneck Gallery, where planes hang from the ceiling and a few large displays rest. Along the edge of the see-through ceiling, are quotes by famous Marines. In this photo from Feb. 19, 2015, snow coats the very edge of the ceiling.

When entering the National Museum of the Marine Corps, visitors first walk into the Leatherneck Gallery, where planes hang from the ceiling and a few large displays rest. Along the edge of the see-through ceiling, are quotes by famous Marines. In this photo from Feb. 19, 2015, snow coats the very edge of the ceiling. (Meredith Tibbetts/Stars and Stripes)

Looking down from the second floor of the National Museum of the Marine Corps into an exhibit on the first floor Feb. 19, 2015.

Looking down from the second floor of the National Museum of the Marine Corps into an exhibit on the first floor Feb. 19, 2015. (Meredith Tibbetts/Stars and Stripes)

A look down the barrel of the 1874 experimental 3-inch rifled landing gun. The Ordnance Department at the Washington Navy Yard designed and manufactured this gun that was intended to support landing operations. While this shows experimental markings, it does not have a model or serial number.

A look down the barrel of the 1874 experimental 3-inch rifled landing gun. The Ordnance Department at the Washington Navy Yard designed and manufactured this gun that was intended to support landing operations. While this shows experimental markings, it does not have a model or serial number. (Meredith Tibbetts/Stars and Stripes)

An exhibit inside the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Feb. 19, 2015.

An exhibit inside the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Feb. 19, 2015. (Meredith Tibbetts/Stars and Stripes)

The image of Marine is reflected in a tent inside the National Museum of the Marine Corps on Feb. 19, 2015.

The image of Marine is reflected in a tent inside the National Museum of the Marine Corps on Feb. 19, 2015. (Meredith Tibbetts/Stars and Stripes)

Looking down from the second floor of the National Museum of the Marine Corps into an exhibit on the first floor Feb. 19, 2015

Looking down from the second floor of the National Museum of the Marine Corps into an exhibit on the first floor Feb. 19, 2015 (Meredith Tibbetts/Stars and Stripes)

Outside the National Museum of the Marine Corps, in the Semper Fidelis Memorial Park, a sign is partially buried in snow on Feb. 19, 2015.

Outside the National Museum of the Marine Corps, in the Semper Fidelis Memorial Park, a sign is partially buried in snow on Feb. 19, 2015. (Meredith Tibbetts/Stars and Stripes)

Outside the National Museum of the Marine Corps, in the Semper Fidelis Memorial Park, a statue is partially buried in snow on Feb. 19, 2015.

Outside the National Museum of the Marine Corps, in the Semper Fidelis Memorial Park, a statue is partially buried in snow on Feb. 19, 2015. (Meredith Tibbetts/Stars and Stripes)

Marines at the restaurant at the National Museum of the Marine Corps observe people on the first floor of the Leatherneck Gallery on Feb. 19, 2015.

Marines at the restaurant at the National Museum of the Marine Corps observe people on the first floor of the Leatherneck Gallery on Feb. 19, 2015. (Meredith Tibbetts/Stars and Stripes)

A temporary exhibit at the National Museum of the Marine Crops, the "Welcome Home" collection is a series of photographs and memorabilia that is meant to capture "the reunions of family members who have been separated by repeated deployments." The exhibit will be on display through 2016.

A temporary exhibit at the National Museum of the Marine Crops, the "Welcome Home" collection is a series of photographs and memorabilia that is meant to capture "the reunions of family members who have been separated by repeated deployments." The exhibit will be on display through 2016. (Meredith Tibbetts/Stars and Stripes)

QUANTICO, Va.— The 210-foot spire rises above the tree line, easily visible from nearby Interstate 95. It's part of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, and is designed as a reminder not only of the iconic image of the World War II flag raising on Iwo Jima, but also of the notions of swords at salute, aircraft climbing into the sky, or a howitzer at the ready.

The museum overlooks a three-acre Semper Fidelis Memorial Park, with monuments honoring those who fought and the battles in which they took part.

The inside — 118,000 square feet — is filled with Marine Corps artifacts and history, an amazing tribute to those who served and are serving.

tibbetts.meredith@stripes.com Twitter: @mjtibbs

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