U.S. Marines Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima)

During World War II, the United States captured the island of Iwo Jima during it’s island campaign in the Pacific Ocean. At one end of the tiny island stands an ancient volcanic mountain called Mount Suribachi. This famous statue commemorates the moment when the US Marines raised the flag atop the mountain in 1945.

This Memorial is officially called the Marine Corps War Memorial, also know as the Iwo Jima Memorial, and is located east of the Arlington Cemetery across the river from Washington DC. The bronze cast statue stands over 78 feet tall, including the granite base. The flagpole rises 60 feet and has the flag raised 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The flag and memorial is well lit during the evening hours.

“In honor and in memory of the men of the United States Marine Corps who have given their lives to their country since November 10, 1775.”

Marine War Memorial Interesting Facts

The Memorial was sculpted by Felix de Weldon (base) and Horace W. Peaslee.

Photographer Joe Rosenthal, from the Associated Press just happened to snap the image at just the right moment as the flag was being raised.

Of the six marines raising the flag, Ira Hayes survived and was influential in helping to raise money for the war effort.

The flag raising portrayed in the monument was actually the second flag put atop the mountain. The first one was too small and so a second, larger one was raised.

Useful Links:

Marine Corps War Memorial Site

History of Memorial