(NAPSA)—Whether you’re a soldier, Army veteran or proud Army supporter, you can now be part of the future home to Army history. You can inscribe a personal message on a brick that will be permanently laid in the outdoor pathways and plazas of the future National Museum of the United States Army. The National Army Museum will be situated in Fort Belvoir, Va., near Washington, D.C., and it will feature a memorial garden, amphitheater and parade ground. The 185,000-square-foot facility is expected to attract more than 750,000 visitors every year. Commemorative bricks pave way for national tribute to U.S. Army. CBS’s “Criminal Minds” star Joe Mantegna, national spokesperson for the National Museum of the United States Army campaign, was oneof thefirst to order a commemorative brick. Mantegna’s brick inscription honored his uncle, William Novelli, a Purple Heart recipient who served in Patton’s 38rd Army during World War II. Another World War II veteran, Mort Walker, will also have his name inscribed on one of the bricks, along with that of the famous comic strip soldier hefirst drew more than 65 years ago, Beetle Bailey. In addition to these names, there will be thousands more, with messages commemorating soldiers, Army families, Department of the Armycivilians, Army supporters, Army units, and relatives and loved ones. The Mesabi black granite bricks are available in two sizes: four inches by eight inches and eight inches by eight inches. You can also order gift certificates and replicas. The Secretary of the Army designated The ArmyHistorical Foundation to lead the campaign to build the museum. More information about the commemorative bricks and museum is available on the foundation’s website. Learn more at www.armyhistory.org/bricks.
