U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial

Arlington, VA 22209, USA

Commonly referred to as the Iwo Jima Memorial, the world’s tallest standing bronze statue honors the Marines who have defended the United States since November 10, 1775 with every major battle campaign inscribed at its base. The 32-foot-high sculpture was inspired by Joe Rosenthal’s Pulitzer Prize–winning photo of five Marines and one Navy hospital corpsman raising the American flag on Mt. Suribachi during one of the most historic battles of World War II. From May to August, on Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the memorial serves as the backdrop for the phenomenal Sunset Parade, which showcases the Marine Band, Silent Drill Team, and Drum and Bugle Corps. Come on the last Sunday of October to cheer on the thousands of runners who start and finish here for the Marine Corps Marathon.

More Recommendations

Semper Fi Marines!

Commonly referred to as the Iwo Jima Memorial, the world’s tallest standing bronze statue honors the Marines who have defended the United States since November 10, 1775 with every major battle campaign inscribed at its base. The 32-foot-high sculpture was inspired by Joe Rosenthal’s Pulitzer Prize–winning photo of five Marines and one Navy hospital corpsman raising the American flag on Mt. Suribachi during one of the most historic battles of World War II. From May to August, on Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the memorial serves as the backdrop for the phenomenal Sunset Parade, which showcases the Marine Band, Silent Drill Team, and Drum and Bugle Corps. Come on the last Sunday of October to cheer on the thousands of runners who start and finish here for the Marine Corps Marathon.

A Monumental Surprise

Washington, DC is a city of monuments. One of the most photographed is the U.S. Marine Corps War (Iwo Jima) Memorial in nearby Rosslyn, Virginia. That was my goal when I woke up before dawn one spring morning to catch it in the prized predawn light. To make it as painless as possible I chose the Sunday morning when Daylight Savings Time started. I arrived at the monument while it was still pitch black. As the sky turned blue grey with the approaching sunrise I was able to set my tripod on every side of the 32 foot statue honoring the a U.S. Marine Corps and take dozens of nicely lit images. It was a pleasant way to spend some quality, pre-dawn time with my camera. Then, as the sun was just hitting the horizon I glanced due East. Three things caught my eye. The U.S. Capitol building, the Washington Monument (doesn’t look a thing like him), and the point where the sun happened to be rising. On this very day it seems the sun, the Capitol, and the Iwo Jima monument line up perfectly. Perhaps it points to a Masonic conspiracy? Even if it doesn’t, I was glad I was there to capture the moment and happy to share it here.

March of the Marines

One of Washington, DC’s coolest summer happenings are the daily parades that are presented proudly and flawlessly by members of the US Marine Corps, elegantly dressed in full uniform. Every Tuesday, from May through August, visitors can watch Marines march in military formation, twirling and throwing rifles as the US Marine Drum and Bugle Corp plays in the background. There are two parades – the Evening Parade, which takes place at the Marine Barracks on Capitol Hill, and the Sunset Parade, which takes place on the grounds of the US Marine Corps War Memorial, more often simply referred to as the Iwo Jima Memorial. The parades are only an hour long – it’s a perfect way to cap off a day of sightseeing in Washington, DC. Reservations for both parades are required but there is no charge. This is an extremely popular event so book your spots early! http://www.marine-corps-video-evening-parade.com/reservations_and_schedules.html http://www.barracks.marines.mil/Parades/SunsetParade.aspx

The Iconic U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial

The United States Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington honors the bravery and contributions of the nation’s Marines. A grand statue depicts a scene of the six servicemen who raised the second U.S. flag on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. This moment was based off the iconic, Pultizer Prize-winning photograph captured by Joe Rosenthal. The figures stand on a granite base engraved with the names and dates of every major Marine Corps engagement since 1775. This famous memorial is located off of George Washington Memorial Parkway and Route 50. There is a free parking lot for drivers and it can also be accessed by foot from the Rosslyn Metro Station or by the free shuttle bus that runs from the Arlington National Cemetery Visitors Center.

The Iconic U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial

The United States Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington honors the bravery and contributions of the nation’s Marines. A grand statue depicts a scene of the six servicemen who raised the second U.S. flag on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. This moment was based off the iconic, Pultizer Prize–winning photograph captured by Joe Rosenthal. The figures stand on a granite base engraved with the names and dates of every major Marine Corps engagement since 1775. This famous memorial is located off George Washington Memorial Parkway and Route 50. There is a free parking lot for drivers and it can also be accessed by foot from the Rosslyn Metro Station or by the free shuttle bus that runs from the Arlington National Cemetery Visitors Center.

Information on this page, including website, location, and opening hours, is subject to have changed since this page was last published. If you would like to report anything that’s inaccurate, let us know at notification@afar.com.

Nearby highlights
Sign up for our newsletter
Join more than a million of the world’s best travelers. Subscribe to the Daily Wander newsletter.
More From AFAR