US Marine Corps War Memorial

Based on an iconic image of the second flag-raising on the island of Iwo Jima during World War II, the US Marine Corps War Memorial is dedicated to "the Marine dead of all wars and their comrades of other services who fell fighting beside them."

 
 
Large bronze statue of six men raising a US flag with sunset and Washington, DC in the background

Chris James

 
Marines at Sunset Parade
Sunset Parade

NPS

Things to Do

The US Marine Corps War Memorial is located on Arlington Ridge along the axis of the National Mall. A panorama of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Capitol Building are visible from its grounds.

During the summer, the US Marine Corps holds Sunset Parades at the Memorial on select Tuesdays. The Sunset Parades are a one hour performance, featuring the music of "The Commandant's Own", The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and precision drill by the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon.

Hours & Seasons

The memorial grounds are open year-round from 6 am until midnight.

Directions

The US Marine Corps War Memorial is in Virginia near Arlington National Cemetery.

By Car

From VA 110 south turn right onto Marshall Drive, then follow signs for the US Marine Corps War Memorial.

From US 50 east take the exit for Rosslyn and the Key Bridge. Turn right onto Meade Street at the top of the ramp. Turn left on Marshall Drive, then follow the signs for the US Marine Corps War Memorial.

From US 50 west cross into Virginia on the Roosevelt Bridge and take the exit for Rosslyn and the Key Bridge. Turn left onto Meade Street at the top of the ramp. Turn left on Marshall Drive, then follow the signs for the US Marine Corps War Memorial.

Parking is available at the US Marine Corps War Memorial. Buses should load and unload in the inner lane. Parking at the memorial is restricted to six vehicles with handicapped parking permits on Tuesdays from 3 pm to 9 pm in June and July and from 2:30 pm to 8:30 pm on August 1 and August 8.

By Metro

The carillon is a 10-15 minute walk from either the Rosslyn or Arlington National Cemetery Metro station.

Facilities

Portable toilets, water fountains, and trash cans are located between the carillon and the US Marine Corps War Memorial.

Rules and Regulations

The statue and parade ground are a memorial. Playing ball games and flying kites are not permitted.

Pets must be on a leash that is no more than six feet long and pet owners must dispose of waste in a trash can.

Commercial activities and activities by organized groups, including commercial photography/filming and weddings, require a permit. For information about permits please call 703‑289‑2513.

For a complete list of rules, please read the Laws & Policies.

 
Closeup of statue with American flag

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Watch two videos that briefly explain the history and significance of the US Marine Corps War Memorial. The videos are able to be downloaded and used during your visit to the memorial.
 
Contractors work on the sculpture

Learn About the Recent Rehabilitation of the US Marine Corps War Memorial

Visit our rehabilitation page to see information, photos and videos of the recent 2016 - 2020 rehabilitation project that occurred at the US Marine Corps War Memorial.

Last updated: May 28, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

George Washington Memorial Parkway Headquarters
700 George Washington Memorial Parkway

McLean, VA 22101

Phone:

703 289-2500

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