THE AMPHIBIOUS TRACTOR MEMORIAL
LOCATION: MEMORIAL PARK
The Amphibious Tractor Memorial will be placed in the center, most prestigious, and last Rally Point at the National Museum of the Marine Corps Memorial Walk. This Rally Point is located at the confluence of three beautifully landscaped, and ADA accessible, walkways near the Sgt. Reckless Memorial. The red star on the map marks the spot. Those at the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation who approved the design of the memorial claimed it will be "the Crowned Jewel of the Memorial Walk." In fact, this Rally Point was being held for a world class memorial that held meaning and importance far beyond any platform or community.
Our memorial will honor the legacy and contributions of Trac'rs and Tracs. Our memorial and community earned the honor of this Rally Point because of it's world class design, and because of the service defining capability Alligator Marines, and their Machines, provide or nation and Corps. YAT YAS!
THE MEMORIAL DESIGN
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A 6' x 2.5' bronze LVT-1 will be depicted climbing over the reef during the Island Hopping Campaign in the Pacific during WW2 .
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An LVT Machine Gunner (.50 cal) mans his weapon, Infantry Marines are visible in the troop/cargo compartment of the LVT-1, manning machine guns. One machine gunner falls back from the .30 cal into another Marines outreached arms after being wounded.
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Waves and churning water surrounds, and is pushed forward of, the vehicle as the LVT 1’s track strike and climb the submerged coral reef. The vehicle attitude reflects this climb.
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In time, the water will turn into a greening blue patina from which the black coral pieces emerge, and accentuate the bronze vehicle & alligators.
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This will all be set upon a 8' x 5' circular smoth and polished black stone and bronze base with "Across the Reef"carved into it.
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Menacing & properly scaled intertwined bronze alligators will encircle the base, ready to strike at visitors as they approach from each direction.
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The centerpiece will be set atop a smooth, oval, granite surface area with 'Alligator Marines inlayed in the deck
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Trac'rs who donate will be informed of hidden attributes & messages within the design.
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Bronze Placards on the arced wall will identify donors of $1,000 or more (not including brick cost). Units, families, teams, schools, clubs, and organizations are welcome to crowd source such larger donations. We will assist!
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Bricks can be purchased and personalized to be set into the surrounding walkways,for $300, of which $90.00 goes to the AA Memorial. The balance is retained by NMMC.
All donations and gifts are tax deductible, and 100% of all donations go to funding the monument.
Donation Objective: $500,000*
(5 April 2024: Objective under review following detailed planning, refined size & scale measurements, integration requirements, and current economic issues, i.e. Inflation. Updated Estimate & final Budget coming soon.
**Early stimate for Design, Build, Purchase & Prep of Rally Point, and Installation of the Memorial. Current as of June 2023