* This week on PBS, "National Parks...America's Best Idea" is showing every day.  It is a beautiful show that gives insight to our beautiful National Parks.

United States Marine Corps War Memorial
This memorial, maintained by the National Park Service, was created to honor all members of the U.S. Marine Corps, past, present, and future. The memorial was designed by Horace Peaslee and was dedicated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on November 10, 1954, the anniversary of the
Marine Corps.

The memorial is made up of 32 feet high figures that recreate the raising of the flag over Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945. The 60 foot bronze flagpole flies a cloth flag that flies 24 hours a day. This was decided by a Presidential proclamation in 1961. The figures rest on a granite base that holds the names and dates of every Marine Corps engagement since 1775, when the Corps
was founded. It also holds the inscription, "In honor and in memory of the men of the United States Marine Corps who have given their lives to their country since November 10, 1775." You can also find the words of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz who said, "Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue." The cost of the memorial was $850,000. All monies were donated by U.S. Marines, former Marines, Reservists, friends of the Marines, and members of the Naval Service. No government money was used for this memorial.











Source: http://www.nps.gov