I Love New York Travel

Now is this cool, or what!!

I’m continuing my posts on the quirky things we saw while visiting Douglas MacArthur National Memorial in Norfolk, Virgina. It was a terrific experience for the family. It was the kids’ first real vacation out of New York State, too. We couldn’t have chosen a better place to go than Norfolk. We have admired General MacArthur for eons, and it was a real treat to pay him our respects and to see his personal effects in the museum.

I always wondered about the idea behind the corncob pipe. Is using this pipe a more special experience than, say, using a wooden pipe? My dad used to smoke from cherry wood pipes, They always smelled so good. I always kind of figured that the corncob pipe was just a “poor man’s” pipe, a pipe to use because the others were too expensive. But MacArthur continued to use this after he was very well able to afford more expensive pipes. Yet he continued with this (am I correct?). I wonder why? Even in the movie “MacArthur,” the general smokes the corncob pipe while wrapped up in a tan towel, discussing the next political move with his advisers! LOL I always thought that kind of amusing.

Anyway, I’m curious about the attractions of a corncob pipe. I’ll have to do some research into its appeal….

Yes, indeedy, that’s THE Douglas MacArthur hat, on display at his memorial in Norfolk, Virginia.

Pretty good shape for such an old hat!

Photo taken at the Douglas MacArthur National Memorial in Norfolk, VA. WHAT a GREAT man he was. We have studied his life a bit and have nothing but admiration for the man. Both my sons find him a terrific role model.

This is a photo of all his medals. It’s nice to know that MacArthur was appreciated for his incredible achievements. My son wrote a very moving biography of MacArthur for a school report. This was a good experience, to remember such a great man who sacrificed so much for his country, stayed true to his country and his wife and family. He’s a superb role model for young men, I think.

The gift shop had many excellent memorabilia and souvenirs. I picked up a postcard that had one of MacArthur’s poems on it, his prayer to God for his son. I keep it in my heirlooms box. It will make a wonderful treasure for my son when he is an adult. Sometimes Gift Ideas for Son are difficult to find… but there’s always a noble role model out there who deserves honor. :) And gift shops are usually all too happy to sell memorabilia.