The bronze figures were cast in 35 separate pieces in Brooklyn, New York, before being transported to the site.
The flag atop the memorial is replaced frequently; it is officially mandated to fly 24 hours a day.
The sculptor, Felix de Weldon, was inspired to create the work after seeing the original photograph while serving in the U.S. Navy.
The memorial was dedicated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on November 10, 1954, the 179th anniversary of the Marine Corps.
Every person depicted in the statue is modeled after the specific Marines who raised the flag, based on interviews and photos.
The base includes the inscription 'Uncommon Valor Was a Common Virtue,' a quote by Admiral Chester Nimitz regarding the fighting spirit on Iwo Jima.
The US Marine Corps War Memorial, commonly known as the Iwo Jima Memorial, features a 78-foot-tall bronze sculpture depicting the iconic 1945 flag-raising on Mount Suribachi. It honors all U.S. Marine Corps personnel who have died in the line of duty since the organization's inception in 1775. The sculpture is based on Joe Rosenthal's Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph of the battle for Iwo Jima. The figures are 32 feet high, and the flagpole is 60 feet long. It is located in Arlington, Virginia, overlooking the Potomac River and the Washington, D.C. skyline. The base is constructed of Swedish granite and features inscribed names and dates of significant Marine Corps battles. It is maintained by the National Park Service as part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
From the front-facing angle on the lower plaza level to capture the full scale of the sculpture against the sky.
Visit during the sunset hours to see the memorial silhouette against the backdrop of the Washington Monument.
Bring binoculars to observe the intricate detail of the soldiers' faces and gear from the ground level.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the surrounding paved paths involve slight inclines.
Do not attempt to park in the restricted nearby Arlington National Cemetery lots; use the designated memorial parking area.
Maintain a quiet, respectful tone as this is a solemn military site; avoid climbing on the granite base.
