The United States Marine Corps War Memorial, commonly called the Iwo Jima War Memorial, is located in Arlington Ridge Park, in Arlington, Virginia. While not evident today, the Park was intended to be the visual terminus of the National Mall, sitting on the west side of the Lincoln Memorial.

The memorial stands in honor of all Marines who have served their country past and present, and in particular homage to those who have died in their tours of duty.

There were two flag raising's on Mt. Suribachi on February 23, 1945. The first was taken by Staff Sergeant Louis R. Lowery showing a Marine standing guard while other Marines hoist a small American flag on an improvised pole. (This image is also on this site).

The second flag-raising that occurred on February 23, 1945 was taken by Joe Rosenthal and this became the model for the memorial design. The importance of this second image was the way it resonated with the U.S. Marines as they continued their thirty-six day invasion, boosting the morale in battle. Many interpreted the flag raising as a sign of victory but the battle went on until March 26, 1945. The island of Iwo Jima is eight square miles and Mt. Suribachi is its highest point. The Japanese lost over 22,000 men and the American forces over 6,800. The capture of the island was a seminal moment in the Pacific war front, turning the tide in the American forces' favor.

As important as it was to the Marines in battle, the Associated Press image resonated equally with those at home. The image quickly became iconic and inspired sculptor Felix de Weldon to fashion a three-dimensional model of the event. It was this model that was adapted by architect Paul Franz Jaquet initially, and later by Horace W. Peaslee, for use as the memorial to the Marine Corp's dead of all wars.

Medium : Measured drawings

Created/Published : After 2000

Creator : Historic American Landscapes Survey

Part of the Historic American Building, Engineering, and Landscape Survey Collection housed in the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress.

Availability: Usually ships in one week

Product #: HABS Iwo Jima 001