The United States Marine Corps War Memorial, better known as the Iwo Jima Memorial stands at the north end of Arlington National Cemetery, and across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. This iconic sculpture depicts one of the most historic battles of World War II, the battle of Iwo Jima. The memorial is dedicated to all personnel of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) who have died in the defense of their country since 1775.
The Battle of Iwo Jima was part of the World War II Pacific Ocean campaign from February 19 to March 26, 1945, where the United States sent Marines and soldiers to capture the island of Iwo Jima, Japan. My father was one of those Marines.
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| Iwo Jima Memorial, Arlington, Virginia |
The design of the massive sculpture by Felix de Weldon was based on the Pulitzer prize-winning photo by news photographer Joe Rosenthal of the raising of the American flag on Iwo Jima. Paid for by donations, the sculpture was later cast in bronze and in September 1954 it was brought to Washington, D.C as part of a memorial designed by Horace Peaslee.
At the 179th anniversay of the US Marine Corps on November 10, 1954, the memorial was dedicated by president Dwight D. Eisenhower.
The 32-ft. tall figures raising a 60-ft. high flagpole are placed on a 10-ft. high base. All the major Marine Corps engagements since its founding in 1775 are inscribed on the base.
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I just found your blog via another blog. Your label, "Frank's Daughter" arrested my eyes, as right now, I'm blogging about another Frank (in this case, my husband's father) who also participated in that battle at Iwo Jima. Thank you for your Veteran's Day post! Glad to "meet" you and follow your blog!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jacqui, for stopping by! Great to have the company of another "Frank" researcher.
ReplyDeleteAs many veterans of war(s), my father did not talk much about his experiences in combat. The only thing he mentioned about Iwo Jima was that he was "right over the hill" from this symbolic scene.
Stop by again sometime!