Iwo Jima Memorial - Arlington, VA

The Memorial

The focal point of the Iwo Jima Memorial is the 32-foot-high statue at the center of the park which was created by Felix de Weldon and modeled after the photo shot by Joseph J. Rosenthal on February 23, 1945, as the United States flag was raised over Mount Suribachi on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima during one of the most historic battles of World War II, the Battle of Iwo Jima.

The Iwo Jima Memorial was dedicated on November 10, 1954, the 179th anniversary of the founding of the Marine Corps.

Sunset Parade

The U.S. Marine Corps sunset parades at the Iwo Jima Memorial are very popular during the summer. The parade starts before sunset and continues until after the sun is down. The parade consists of two parts: the first is a musical presentation by the Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps, also known as the Commandant�s Own. The second part is a demonstration by the USMC Silent Drill Team, which involves formation marching while precision work with bayonet-tipped M1 rifles-all without any audible cues.

Sunset Parade Schedule
Tuesdays, 7PM to 8PM
May 26th - August 11th

Please note that the schedule can change at any time. To confirm the parade schedule, check with the Marine Barracks directly.

Parking

There are no public parking spaces available at the Memorial grounds on Parade evenings. Guests may park at the Arlington National Cemetery Visitors' Center for a fee. The Marine Barracks provide a free shuttle bus service from the visitors center to the memorial grounds from 5:30PM to 6:30PM. before the parade and from 7:30PM. to 8:30PM following the parade.