For more than two centuries, the oldest and largest branch of the U.S. military has fought for America’s freedom. More than half of all the Medals of Honor earned by all branches of the military combined have been earned by infantrymen. Close to 80 percent of those who have died for their country in war were in the infantry. Yet, until now, there has been no one place dedicated to their service and sacrifice.

The new National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center salutes those soldiers in a $100 million, 190,000-square-foot facility nestled in 200 acres of majestic pines and hardwood where Columbus meets Fort Benning, the “Home of the Infantry.” It is the only museum in the country dedicated to the American Infantryman and his 230-plus years of service. This world-class facility replaces an aging, undersized museum on the Army installation.

The museum traces infantry history from Colonial times to the present in a series of era galleries. One gallery pays special tribute to those who have loved an infantryman. In the Fort Benning gallery, infantry trainees can discover the legacy they’re joining and veterans can return to reconnect with the priceless artifacts that tell their story. The museum features state-of-the-art immersion experiences that will allow visitors to taste the bitter air of battle and touch the bloodied soil of our nation's defining moments. As guests try their hand in a weapons-firing simulator just like the Army uses, they'll learn that freedom is not free.

The new museum is home to the area’s only 3-D IMAX Theatre, where award-winning documentaries and Hollywood blockbusters alike are shown on a screen five stories high and 70 feet wide. 12,000 watts of six-channel sound and crystal images up to nine times clearer than in a standard movie theater wow audiences of all ages.

The Fife and Drum Restaurant is a fine-dining experience offering classic American fare served in a richly appointed dining room by a professional, dedicated staff well versed in Southern hospitality.

Your visit to the museum will not be complete until you stop at the Soldier Store to purchase everything from teddy bears in camouflage T-shirts to uniquely crafted art-glass pieces.

In addition to the museum, there is a 5-acre parade field where friends and family can watch loved ones graduate from Infantry training. It’s connected to the museum by Heritage Walk, a 20-foot wide walkway lined with the flags of all 50 states and custom engraved pavers honoring those who’ve served in the military or anyone who has supported someone who has served. World War II Street is an authentically recreated company street from the 1940s, featuring a chapel, barracks, mess hall and the headquarters and sleeping quarters once used by General George Patton.

The new National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center is also an unparalleled choice for your next special event. Rent the IMAX for your own party of 300, enjoy cocktails with a more intimate crowd on the mezzanine with a spectacular view of the museum’s exhibits, get married inside an authentic World War II chapel or throw a ball for 500 in the Grand Hall.

The National Infantry Museum emphasizes the values that define the infantryman as well as the nation he protects; values of duty, integrity and selfless service. It preserves and displays one of the greatest collections of military artifacts, but it is a museum of people, not things. As a visitor, you will meet the infantryman face to face, and join him on his journey. You will come to understand why an infantryman puts himself in harm's way in defense of an idea, and you will leave transformed, just as the infantry transforms the man into the soldier.