A PROPOSAL: NEW MALL MUSEUM OF WAR

Although the Mall in Washington, D.C., has become increasingly targeted for “new museums” by various “weak-sister” movements, usually to salute a “politically correct” person or organization, I wish to propose a museum that is entirely devoted to war. Warfare has been a constant state on this Earth, ever since one group of people noticed that they had a neighbor. At certain isolated areas neighbors were not readily at hand, allowing for internal rebellions amongst the population that was present. These, then, might well divide, becoming warring neighbors – just like the rest iof the world.

I favor removing, or relocating within the new museum, citadels to vanity in the guise of memorials that presently are constructed, or are being constructed, or are planned to be constructed. The idea of the Mall being an open sward of green is under grave attack by the “gravediggers.”

However, there should be a premier museum on the Mall that is focused on mankind’s favorite occupation: The application of force to achieve one’s end. The museum structure should have several wings, each of which is dedicated to a major area of land warfare. One of the wings should be, or include, a theatre where relevant video is shown. Naturally, one wing would have exhibited “tools of the trade.” Some, such as hydrogen bombs, could be handled in the video wing.

Another wing might deal with strategy. Depictions by multi-media of the beginning and end of great battles could be shown.

One of the most important wings of this proposed museum would be the appearance of warriors through time. In this the uniforms employed by soldiers as they set forth for battle would be shown. One niche of the museum would be devoted to the “Top Ten” uniforms, according to style. Visitors would also be allowed to vote their opinions.

Sadly, I don’t believe that America would crack the “Top Forty.” Many Americans would scoff at the whole idea. The American soldier doesn’t want to be seen at all. Be that as it may, a uniform that resembles leaves and/or dried grass – possibly with a dash of tree branch –  just cannot hope to merit much admiration as threads.

Since the many centuries of war have witnessed a variety of protective additions and subtractions, according to priorities, there might well need to be categories. For example, soldiers in short pant, kelts, tunics and the like might well be put together, so that a Highlander might compete with a Spartan, Roman, Egyptian or Zulu.

Although I may be criticized as excentric, I believe that “head-gear,” or hats, should be included. I believe that it was Octavius who said:  The helmet makes the man (meaning soldier).

On the other hand animals such as horses, elephants, camels, and the like should not be allowed to influence judgment in regard to the appearance of the soldier’s uniform, unless they are in the form of capes, robes, tunics, or hat decoration.

In this wing one might naturally suppose that the Italians must have tailored the top uniforms. However, an argument might be made in behalf of the Austrian’s uniform of the early 19th Century. Even Tsarist Russia sent forth troops armed with threads that could easily sweep maidens off their feet, while paralyzing their opponents with envy. As a matter of fact, my choice of “number one” is the French uniform under Napoleon Bonaparte. Dressed as they were, they deserved to win. In fact Napoleon’s style almost proved decisive. Who then, deserves to be in the “Top Ten?” Cherchez la threads!