TRIANGLE, Virginia, United States — The Molly Marine statue stands on the grounds of the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Virginia. This bronze sculpture is a replica of the first statue of a female service member in uniform, originally erected in New Orleans on November 10, 1943. The statue was part of an effort to recruit women into the Marine Corps during World War II and continues to honor the service of women Marines.
Photograph by David Coleman. The Molly Marine statue at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Virginia, is a significant tribute to women who have served in the United States Marine Corps. This bronze sculpture is a replica of the original Molly Marine statue, which holds the distinction of being the first statue of a woman in military uniform to be erected in the United States. The original Molly Marine statue was unveiled in New Orleans, Louisiana, on November 10, 1943 – the 168th anniversary of the founding of the Marine Corps. It was commissioned as part of a recruiting drive for the Marine Corps Women's Reserve during World War II. The statue was designed by Enrico Filgueira, himself a Marine Corps sergeant at the time. The statue depicts a woman Marine in the uniform of the era, standing at parade rest. She wears a skirt, jacket, and cap, and carries a book under her left arm, symbolizing the clerical and support roles that were primarily open to women in the military at that time. The figure's posture and expression convey a sense of pride, determination, and professionalism. "Molly Marine" became a symbol of women's contribution to the Marine Corps. The name "Molly" was chosen to represent all women Marines, much like "GI Joe" represented male soldiers. The statue played a crucial role in recruitment efforts, helping to bring women into the Marine Corps at a time when their service was vital to the war effort. The replica at the National Museum of the Marine Corps serves as a reminder of the long history of women's service in the Marines, from the World War II era to the present day. It stands as a testament to the evolving role of women in the military and the ongoing commitment to equality and inclusion in the armed forces. Placed prominently at the museum, which opened in 2006, the Molly Marine statue provides visitors with a tangible link to an important chapter in Marine Corps history. It honors the contributions of women Marines and serv
Size: 4902px × 7353px
Location: National Museum of the Marine Corps, Triangle, Virginia, United States
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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