A Living Symbol of Freedom
By Scott McGaugh, Marketing Director
USS Midway Museum
What is “freedom?” It seems like an easy question. But ask ten people in a room and you’ll likely get ten answers. A retired Navy captain’s answer likely will be far different than that of a twelve-year-old, or a teacher, or someone who doesn’t know anyone who has served our nation in uniform. And it’s a question the USS Midway Museum’s board of directors and senior staff have begun to address.
Why? Because the museum’s vision is to become America’s Living Symbol of Freedom. It’s an audacious goal for an aircraft carrier museum whose mission is to preserve the legacy of those who service, inspire, educate, and even entertain. All in a naval aviation context.
But think about it for a moment. What great monuments to American freedom and the American spirit do we have west of the Mississippi River? Of course, the Statue of Liberty, Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall all have their place in the great American landscape. As well they should. Where on the West Coast do we gather to reflect and honor?
Why not in San Diego, the birthplace of naval aviation? Where much of the Navy’s worldwide command structure is based. Where hundreds of thousands of American men and women have trained for service in uniform. Where one of the largest veteran populations in the nation has retired or returns to civilian life. Perhaps San Diego should be nicknamed “America’s Most Patriotic City.” Certainly it is worthy of a national icon—a landmark—that represents American freedom and the great sacrifices necessary to preserve it.
But, exactly, does freedom mean? As noted above, it all depends upon who you ask. That’s what the USS Midway Museum will be doing in the coming months. Collecting various perspectives of freedom; how it relates to service to country and community; and how the unparalleled legacy of the USS Midway can evolve to capture and represent this nation’s fundamental freedoms.
Indeed, it is an ambitious goal. It also is a worthwhile and even necessary one. For if we are to inspire future generations to give of themselves—both in and out of uniform—to invest their precious time and passion in the name of freedom, there must be a symbol, an icon, from which they can draw inspiration. The USS Midway Museum hopes to become exactly that on the West Coast in the future.
Indeed, it will not be accomplished tomorrow. Perhaps not for a decade. Because Midway will not become America’s Living Symbol of Freedom simply by proclaiming it. It will develop over time as we incrementally forge exhibits, programs, and activities that bring the concept of freedom to life. Our museum guests from around the world someday will leave Midway concluding it represents more than naval aviation. That it represents freedom on the backs of young men and women who serve America. They will depart with a newfound respect and appreciation for freedom, perhaps without even realizing it.
And it begins in 2015, as the museum begins to seriously contemplate the many dimensions of freedom; how they relate to serving America; and how we can make these insights relevant and inspiral to future generations in this fast-changing world.
It promises to be a major investment of time, energy, and attention. But if San Diego is to take its place alongside New York City, Philadelphia, and even Washington, D.C. as bellwethers of American freedom, what better place to begin that journey than on the flight deck of the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the twentieth century? Aboard the only ship that served the length of the Cold War and beyond. On the flight deck of a ship and crew that influenced much of the world’s international affairs in the latter half of the twentieth century?
This quest promises to be a marathon. But, given San Diego’s remarkable support of the USS Midway Museum in the 11 years since it opened, it promises to be a fruitful journey. One in which we look forward to the San Diego community’s input and continued support.
