IWO Jima Memorial History & Facts

Washington DC, the capital of the United States, is packed with a number of monuments and memorials. The history of the United States is just captured in these stones in the city. These memorials and monuments are usually dedicated to politicians, generals, soldiers and even the erstwhile poets.

Among them, the largest bronze statue is IWO Jima Memorial also known as the Marine Corps War Memorial. As a military memorial statue, it is just outside the walls of the Arlington National Cemetery, occupying a tranquil knoll across the Potomac River. The memorial is built in honor of people of the U.S. Marine Corps who have given their lives in the defense of their country since 1775. It is open 24 hours a day and free to the public.

Rich in History

The design for IWO Jima Memorial was inspired by Felix de Weldo based on the iconic photo Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, taken during World War II in the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945. There are five marines and a sailor who raised the second flag over Iwo Jima on the memorial statue, including Sargeant Michael Strank, Corporal Harlon Block, PFC Franklin Sousley, PFC Rene Gagnon, PFC Ira Hayes, and PM2 John Bradley (U.S. Navy Corpsman).

In 1947, work commenced on establishing a cast bronze memorial based on the photo was authorized by Congress and the construction began in 1951. As the designer of Iwo Jima Memorial, Felix de Weldon worked on the memorial from 1945 to 1954, paying close attention to every detail. The inscriptions on the granite base of the memorial read:

- "In honor and memory of the men of the United States Marine Corps who have given their lives to their country since 10 November 1775″

- "Uncommon Valor Was a Common Virtue."

President Dwight D. Eisenhower dedicated the Marine Corps War Memorial on November 10, 1954 which was the 179th anniversary of the Marine Crops. Seven years later, President John F. Kennedy issued a statement in 1961 that an American flag needs to fly from the IWO Jima Memorial 24 hours a day. This made the memorial one of the few places where America's flag flies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Quick facts about IWO Jima Memorial

The memorial is the world's largest bronze statue with 78 feet in height and 100 tons in weight. Each marine or sailor depicted on the memorial is about 32 feet tall. The figures of the marines in the IWO Jima Memorial statue erect a 60-foot bronze flagpole which is a 10 feet * 19.5 feet American flag.

The entire statue is supported by a 700 ton concrete base. The base is constructed of rough Swedish granite which is engraved with the names and dates of primary members of the U.S. Marine Corps.

The total cost of the memorial was $850,000, all donated by U.S. marines, Marine Corps reservists and friends as well as members of the Naval Service. No public funds were used. You can explore more facts about IWO Jima Memorial on this page:

IWO Jima Memorial Facts

http://www.usmarinesbirthplace.com/United-States-Marines-facts.html

Visiting Tips: The IWO Jima Memorial is nestled on a hill within a 7.5 acre park-like setting offering spectacular views of Potomac River. This also makes the memorial one of the best locations in the area for viewing the annual Fourth of July Fireworks display.

If you plan on a visit to the Iwo Jima Memorial in summer, don't miss out the U.S. Marine Corps parade. During the summer months from May to August, marching and musical units from the U.S. Marine Corps present the Sunset Parade each Tuesday from 7pm to 8:30pm.

History of the Sunset Parade

http://marine-video-sunset-parade.com/sunset_parade_history.html

During the months of autumn, many activities of the popular Marine Corps Marathon, known as the People's Marathon are held on the grounds of the IWO Jima Memorial. To learn more info about the Marine Corps Marathon, check this page:

Marine Corps Marathon

http://www.marinemarathon.com/