| What makes it historical? |
The beauty of this statue lies in its story! The Battle of Iwo Jima was the first American attack on the Japanese home islands since Pearl Harbor, and it was ferocious! As the Americans fought to take Mount Suribashi, a few Marines snuck to the top and planted an American flag to encourage their comrades. It worked! Then, a second, larger flag was ordered to be planted here, which led to the famous photograph!
Three of the Marines depicted here died on Iwo Jima, which sends a powerful message of perseverance in the face of danger! The base of the Memorial lists every principal Marine engagement so far in history, painting the sheer number of times American forces had to persevere in the face of danger! Also, as you move around the memorial counter-clockwise, the structure of the memorial gives the illusion that the flag is being raised! |
