US Marine Corps War Memorial
Washington DC, Washington DC, USA, 22209
One of many military monuments in Arlington, Virginia, the US Marine Corps War Memorial was installed in 1954 and is dedicated to all Marine Corps members who lost their lives in conflict. It is also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial and depicts the six-man, flag-raising event captured in the iconic 1945 photo by Joe Rosenthal.
The basics
Located just steps from the Arlington National Cemetery and the plethora of military monuments located within, the US Marine Corps War Memorial is one of the most visited and recognizable monuments in the Washington DC area. Sculpted by artist Felix de Weldon and designed by architect Horace W. Peaslee, the monument is based on AP photographer Joe Rosenthal’s Pulitzer Prize–winning image, “Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima,” which depicts a flag-raising on Mt. Suribachi, Japan, during the Battle of Iwo Jima. The six soldiers in the monument—modeled after the real-life participants—stand 32 feet (10 meters) high.
The US Marine Corps War Memorial can be visited during a multitude of DC-area itineraries, including hop-on hop-off tours of Arlington National Cemetery, monument-themed excursions, and nighttime trolley and van tours. It’s also possible to plan an independent visit.
Things to know before you go
Since ordered by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, the US Marine Corps War Memorial flies an American flag 24 hours per day.
A recent restoration (completed in 2018) has seen the monument restored to its original polished and gilded glory.
Bring your camera: The monument’s vantage point offers impressive views of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and other sights located across the river.
How to get there
The US Marine Corps War Memorial is located in Arlington, Virginia. If using public transportation, get off at Rosslyn Station (served by the Orange, Silver, or Blue Metro Lines) or Arlington National Cemetery Station (served by the Blue Line); it’s roughly a 10- to 15-minute walk from either station. Alternatively, guided tours make transportation simple.
When to get there
The US Marine Corps War Memorial grounds are open from 6am–12pm every day. During the summer months, the Marine Corps holds Sunset Parades every Tuesday evening.
Other essential Arlington stops
Once you’ve paid tribute to the fallen at the US Marine Corps War Memorial, discover Arlington’s other major landmarks. Both the Pentagon and the Arlington National Cemetery are famed national symbols. There is a wide range of memorials in the area, including the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial and the Air Force Memorial. Key sites within Arlington National Cemetery include the Coast Guard Memorial, the Women In Military Service For America Memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and President John F. Kennedy’s gravesite.
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