Sightseeing

Marine Corps War Memorial

📍 Washington · USA

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4.3/ 5.0

★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location: USA, Washington
Category: Sightseeing
Opening Hours: Memorial grounds open 24 hours, flag lowering at sunset
Ticket Price: Free
Coordinates: 38.8891, -77.0500

Introduction

The Marine Corps War Memorial, located on Netherlands Drive near Arlington National Cemetery in the Washington, D.C. area, is the national memorial honoring all United States Marine Corps personnel who have died in defense of the nation since 1775. The memorial is based on the iconic flag-raising photograph taken by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal during the Battle of Iwo Jima in February 1945, sculpted by Felix de Weldon. The bronze statue stands approximately 9.8 meters tall and weighs 100 tons, depicting six Marines raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi. The base of Swedish black granite is inscribed with the names of Iwo Jima and all major Marine Corps engagements. Dedicated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954, the base bears the inscription "Uncommon Valor Was a Common Virtue." It is one of America's most moving military memorials, with a solemn daily evening flag-lowering ceremony.

✨ Highlights

Iconic Flag Raising

Based on Rosenthal's iconic Iwo Jima flag-raising photo, the bronze statue depicts six Marines raising the flag, deeply moving.

9.8m Bronze Statue

The 9.8-meter, 100-ton statue by Felix de Weldon is one of America's largest bronze sculpture groups.

Marine Corps Memorial

Honors all Marine Corps fallen since 1775, the most important national memorial for the Marines.

Uncommon Valor Inscription

The base bears Uncommon Valor Was a Common Virtue, a powerful and historic inscription.

Flag Lowering Ceremony

The daily evening flag-lowering ceremony is solemn and moving, one of Washington's most impactful military ceremonies.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best Time to Visit：Arrive 1 hour before sunset to see statue and flag ceremony, nighttime lighting adds impact

→Special Tip：Military memorial site, maintain solemnity, do not climb statue or base

→Opening Hours：Memorial grounds open 24 hours, flag lowering at sunset

→Ticket Information：Free

→Transportation：Take Metro Blue or Orange Line to Rosslyn Station, 15-minute walk, or drive

💡 Tips

• Daily sunset flag lowering is solemn, arrive 30 minutes early for position, lasts about 10 minutes.

• Combine with nearby Arlington National Cemetery, Tomb of Unknown Soldier, and Kennedy gravesite for a half-day.

• Nighttime lighting adds dramatic impact to the statue, best time for memorial photography.

• Military memorial site, maintain solemnity, remove hats during flag ceremony, no loud conversation.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Marine Corps War Memorial?

Memorial grounds open 24 hours, flag lowering at sunset

How much is the admission for Marine Corps War Memorial?

Free

Any practical tips for visiting Marine Corps War Memorial?

Daily sunset flag lowering is solemn, arrive 30 minutes early for position, lasts about 10 minutes. Combine with nearby Arlington National Cemetery, Tomb of Unknown Soldier, and Kennedy gravesite for a half-day.