Tank Tracks and Cats
The heat of the day crept up behind me as I arrived at the American Military Museum in South El Monte, California. In a small turn off on the main road lays a time capsule forged in steel and built to last, showcasing some great achievements of our military history and power. As I walked into the entrance a tent showcased some relics from yesteryear and other various souvenirs, I was met by a young man and cat that nuzzled its head against my hand as I signed myself in. He gave a guidebook numbered according to the slabs in front the vehicles to learn a little more about their history.
I walked around and the sound of fire from a clay shooting range echoed softly in the background and fit perfectly, it was amazing to see these huge sculptures of destruction and beauty. The rows were lined with vehicles ranging from jeeps, ambulances, tanks, bomb loaders, anti-aircraft, amphibian vehicles and many more. It amazed me to see them, you watch them on tv and movies and I think “Those are pretty cool” but until standing right next to one I wasn’t able to grasp how truly large they are and gain a deeper respect for their power and destruction. The heavy armor plating, rifled barrels the size of a grape fruit, the practicality of every inch of space through out gives a great insight and appreciation to the minds that made them. Overall it was a great experience, and urge anyone to come check it out.
