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Jacksonville: Land of the Free
It’s easy to find reasons to visit Jacksonville, a well-rounded destination filled with shopping, historical experiences and some of North Carolina’s most incredible beaches — Hammocks Beach State Park and North Topsail Beach — nearby as well. And with unique restaurants like Jeff’s Burgers, Dogs & Shakes; Marina Café; Lil' Bean and stops on the International Food Trail all within a few miles of downtown, it rounds out a perfect destination for exploring.
But there’s so much more than convenience. In a quiet corner near downtown stands Lejeune Memorial Gardens, a sacred 27 acres full of monuments that honor service members and Jacksonville’s military heritage. It’s a legacy that continues today at Marine Corps Air Station New River and Camp Lejeune, which trains troops for combat and peacetime missions worldwide. Whether you’ve served or not, you’ll find meaning within the Gardens’ beautifully landscaped grounds.
Lejeune Memorial Gardens
Start your journey by downloading a Gardens guide and then head toward City Hall, where Johnson Boulevard becomes Lejeune Boulevard. Here you’ll find the Freedom Fountain, built to honor all service members who spent time in Jacksonville and Onslow County. Medallions and flags honor the five armed-services branches, and the water jets represent federal, state and local governments as well as the 50 states.
It’s a quick walk or drive down Lejeune Boulevard to the rest of the Gardens, which are always open. Find parking off Montford Landing Road across from Montford Point National Cemetery, where family and church graveyards — some dating to the 1700s — were relocated as Camp Lejeune was built.
Sites of Remembrance
Begin your journey at the Beirut Memorial. This tribute honors the 273 Marines, sailors and service members who died from the bomb blast in Lebanon on Oct. 23, 1983. Their names, along with “They Came In Peace,” are carved in the granite, which features jagged edges to represent the bomb’s destruction. As you reflect on the sacrifices made, be sure to stop and read the poem “The Other Wall,” displayed on a bronze plaque.
Make your way to the 9/11 Memorial, whose simple composition speaks volumes. A steel girder from the World Trade Center rests at an angle, honoring the first troops deployed to Iraq after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The piece was presented by New York City police and firefighters. Each year on Patriot Day, a public ceremony is held here at 8:15 a.m. — the moment the first plane struck.
Perched in a nearby reflecting pool is one of the world’s largest versions of the Marine Corps symbol: the Eagle, Globe and Anchor. A smaller version is bestowed on Marines after they’ve completed the Crucible, a grueling 54-hour mental and physical test at the end of boot camp. Notice the stars, which represent where Marines are routinely deployed, and the eagle’s banner, which proclaims their motto: semper fidelis. The fouled anchor represents sea and land duty.
Where the Trail Tells a Story
Continue along the path, which is surrounded by brilliant color in spring when the Gardens’ many azaleas bloom. As a part of Jacksonville’s Lejeune Greenway and Trail, the path takes walkers and bicyclists between downtown and Camp Lejeune. Along the way, stop at the small markers honoring Gold Star Mothers, who lost a child in combat, and residents whose land became Camp Lejeune.
Soon you'll reach the country’s second largest Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Walk along the curved glass wall, where the names of all military members who were killed in action, missing in action or held as prisoners of war are listed alphabetically. In the center is a fountain with five jets, their colorful illumination best seen after sunset. Its dome displays the lyrics to “Taps,” the bugle call that marks the end of the day for service members and is also played at military funerals.
The Gardens are also home to the only memorial to the country’s first African American Marines, who completed segregated training at the end of Montford Landing Road. See an example of the anti-aircraft gun used by these Marines, then retrace their fights across World War II’s Pacific Theater on the plaque at the base of the Montford Point Marine statue. The most poignant part of the National Montford Point Marine Memorial might be its 20,000 stars. They were used instead of names because a complete muster roll has been lost.
Coming June 2026: Carolina Museum of the Marine
Finally, discover the stories of courage, service and dedication at the Carolina Museum of the Marine when it opens June 8, 2026. The museum honors the legacy of Marines and Sailors from the Carolinas, featuring the inspiring journeys of 43 individuals that represent decades of service, from the 1940s to today. Through interactive exhibits, personal artifacts and immersive galleries, you can explore the history, values and achievements of those who have served. It’s the latest must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, families and anyone looking to connect with the spirit of the Marine Corps.
This article was produced in partnership with Visit Jacksonville, NC.