An Afternoon at the Marine Corps War Memorial

"Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue."

 ~inscription on the monument

Wednesday was a beautiful, sunny 65-degree day here in Washington D.C., so I took an afternoon break from working and walked over to the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia (which is just over the Potomac River from the United States capital).

My brother-in-law is an officer in the marines, and has served two * long * overseas missions (Iraq and Afghanistan). During that time, my sister and their two young girls were living in Okinawa, Japan.

For those of you not familiar with this particular United States monument, it was dedicated in 1954 to all Marines who have given their lives in the defense of the United States since 1775. The statue depicts a flag-raising scene that was captured in a photograph during World War II (this photo later won a Pulitzer Prize).

 {photo credit: national park service}

Because this particular war event took place in Iwo Jima – a small island 660 miles south of Tokyo – many Americans refer to this memorial statue as the "Iwo Jima Monument."

Each marine figure in this monument stands 32 feet high; the flagpole is 60 feet in length. The Marine Corps War Memorial is the tallest bronze statue in the world, at 78 high. Total cost for the statue in the year 1954? $850,000, and it was 100% funded by private contributions.

I've visited this particular memorial many times before – but this time was different than all the others. There was a group of elderly WWII veterans visiting from Chicago. They were one of several groups invited by HBO to screen the upcoming Tom Hanks film series, The Pacific.

{photo credit: the pacific hbo}

Most of these visiting veterans did not know each other during the war, but they bonded quickly while sharing their personal stories. One man even said, "I haven't talked with anyone about the war since I got back... until today."

Then I walked over to Arlington National Cemetery and captured these images:

The white gravestones seemingly go on forever.
More than 300,000 people are buried here.

Learn more about Arlington National Cemetary.

Plan your visit to the Marine Corps War Memorial.

Your silent tents of green,

We deck with fragrant flowers; 

Yours has the suffering been,

The memory shall be ours.

~ Longfellow

* © passport in my pocket *

Comments

[Lavender and Lilies]

I am so in love with your blog. Thanks for stopping by mine.

[hiking in stilettos]

Oh my goodness, I would have been bawling if I had seen the veterans at the memorial. My brother is/was a Marine and served in the Gulf War. I was young, like 7, at the time, but I remember vividly how scared I was. DC is such a beautiful place filled with memorials, but at times it is a bit heart-wrenching. Enjoy your journey! :)

[doublehphoto]

Love this post! I think everyone should visit Arlington and it really had an impact when I did! The monument is impressive and moving too.
Really enjoying seeing and reading about your travels and if you're ever headed this way I would love to meet and show you around! I will definitely be in contact with you for travel advice next time I'm in your part of the country!
Have a good trip!

[Dionne]

I've always wanted to check out the Memorial. What an emotional and touching tribute to those that gave their lives for this country. I am so in awe.

Have fun on your travels! And I would LOVE a postcard. What's your email, and I can email you my addy.

[jen]

that's so awesome! I have a really special spot in my heart for veterans, and WWII veterans are particularly special to me. I think they are overlooked alot by our society. They are so special!

Great post!