Iconic Iwo Jima Sculpture to get a facelift! Have you visited the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia?

2015-04-30T03:36:44-04:00

In October 1944, in the depths of World War II, a young man from Baltimore named Robert Rubenstein dropped out of high school and, with his mother’s permission, enlisted in the Marine Corps. He was 17.

Rubenstein was assigned to a machine gun crew, served on the battleship USS Tennessee and survived the war. He came home to Baltimore, raised a family and was always proud of being a Marine.

On Wednesday, his son, David, the billionaire philanthropist, announced that he is donating $5.37 million to refurbish the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, the 100-ton bronze sculpture of the flag-raising at Iwo Jima during the war.

See the full story here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/billionaire-david-rubenstein-gives-5m-to-refurbish-iwo-jima-sculpture/2015/04/29/92a16f16-ed13-11e4-8666-a1d756d0218e_story.html?hpid=z3

Billionaire David Rubenstein gives $5M to refurbish Iwo Jima sculpture

Donation is being made to honor Rubenstein’s father, who served as a machine gunner during World War II.

Response by SFC Charles S. made Apr 30 at 2015 3:38 AM

2015-04-30T03:38:35-04:00

Yes, it's an Awesome Tribute not only to the Marine Corps, but to the Greatest Generation. Love that monument.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Apr 30 at 2015 6:27 AM

2015-04-30T06:27:05-04:00

I keep saying I should just move down to the DC area because I could spend every waking moment between the memorials and the Smithsonian. Yes, I've been there a few times, its just awesome!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 6:34 AM

2015-04-30T06:34:06-04:00

I went last May for the first time. It was much larger than I imagined and it's very impressive.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 7:17 AM

2015-04-30T07:17:00-04:00

Television and the internet does not do the salute justice. I say this because I remember when I went to go see it for the first time, I was FLOORED and in awe of how big it actually was. Love that monument

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Apr 30 at 2015 7:25 AM

2015-04-30T07:25:33-04:00

Every year I finish the Marine Corps Marathon at the foot of it. It's a sight to behold.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Apr 30 at 2015 7:59 AM

2015-04-30T07:59:02-04:00

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad, I have visited the United States Marine Corps Memorial at Arlington many times. I always leave it with a profound sense of reverence.

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Apr 30 at 2015 9:27 AM

2015-04-30T09:27:42-04:00

Going to take my dad their when he comes in August. MSgt Private RallyPoint Member

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 9:52 AM

2015-04-30T09:52:48-04:00

It is one of my top ten places that's on my bucket list

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 30 at 2015 12:54 PM

2015-04-30T12:54:50-04:00

There were two photographers that day. The first one took pictures of both flag raisings. The second photographer walked up as the second flag went up, and took the picture that became an iconic picture.

Response by Cpl Christopher Bishop made Apr 30 at 2015 6:57 PM

2015-04-30T18:57:18-04:00

Define "facelift". I mean I hope they are not making any major changes to it, and its only going to be preservation work done. It doesn't need to be color-changed either.

Given recent blasphemy over social media these days, I can't help but wonder if there isn't some winguts out there who want to remove the American Flag off of it (and change it to another flag of whatever) because "OMG the American Flag offends people" (eyeroll).

Response by Sgt Cody Dumont made May 9 at 2015 6:39 PM

2015-05-09T18:39:22-04:00

I saw it for the first time last Christmas.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made May 9 at 2015 6:53 PM

2015-05-09T18:53:02-04:00

I've been there a few times over the years. The most memorable was when I took by then 15 year old son to see it. There was a veteran of the battle there and he spent time talking with my son about what he did on Iwo, when and how he was wounded, evacuated and a little about the history of the memorial. It was a fantastic visit for sure.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2015 8:33 PM

2015-05-10T20:33:52-04:00

Missed it the last time we where in Arlington. But plan on it this August when we are there in the DC area. Did make it to the National Museum of the Marine Corps though.
http://www.usmcmuseum.org/index.asp

The National Museum of the Marine Corps and Heritage Center

Saturday, October10andSunday, October 11 Special Event – Model Trains Monday, October12 Special Event – The Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon Performance Thursday, October15andFriday, October 16 Special Event – Violent Skies - The Air War Over Vietnam Sunday, October18 Special Event – History in Your Hands (HIYH)

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2015 8:43 PM

2015-05-10T20:43:48-04:00

It truly is an incredible experience. It's fitting that it is at Arlington and not along the mall with most other monuments. I'm glad that it is being taken care of for future generations.

Response by Cpl Tou Lee Yang made May 11 at 2015 8:38 PM

2015-05-11T20:38:12-04:00

I have done countless parade at that monument. Something I rather not being doing at the time, nonetheless, I am proud I was there for countless hot, sweating, and tiring parade while stationed at 8th & I.

Response by Sgt Tom Vaughn made May 12 at 2015 9:07 AM

2015-05-12T09:07:56-04:00

As a Marine from 8th & I.
1st CGC. I marched around it snot 20 times as well as approx 75 funerals before moving on to Marine Security Co at NAV SUP FAC Thirmont. ( camp David )
I was always inspired to be a better Marine , OOOHRA
SEMPER FI.

Response by LCpl James Edwards made May 13 at 2015 1:54 PM

2015-05-13T13:54:24-04:00

What a wonderful gesture. Thank you, Mr. Rubenstein!

A similar statue of the Iwo Jima flag raising is on the parade ground of the Parris Island Recruit Depot, South Carolina. As recruits, marching by it every day during training to become Marines, we were always reminded of the sacrifice and courage of young Marines - many who never returned home.

That tradition continues....

Response by GySgt Al Valdez made May 13 at 2015 2:49 PM

2015-05-13T14:49:46-04:00

I was a active duty Marine for 21 years, and Im still a Marine at Heart "Once a Marine Always a Marine" I just don't wear the uniform everyday. I visited War Memorial 3 years ago and I actually was at the same spot on the island of Iwo Jima in 1987. It always makes me proud to follow in the footsteps of some many brave MEN!!!!! The Happiest Days of my life where spent as a Marine Semper Fi !!!! GySgt Al Valdez - Retired 1980-2001.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made May 13 at 2015 3:30 PM

2015-05-13T15:30:56-04:00

I hope they don't change it. The outstretched hand is that of a soldier from my home county in Kentucky. We go once a year. All of the civilian museums along The Mall are fantastic.

Response by PFC Terry Kuehner made May 13 at 2015 6:51 PM

2015-05-13T18:51:00-04:00

I have not made my trek there yet want too see that and Pearl Harbor