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2026 Preservation Work at the US Marine Corps War Memorial
Crews work on the US Marine Corps War Memorial.
NPS/Lubanovich
Crews wax the US Marine Corps War Memorial.
NPS/Lubanovich
In 2026, as part of the President’s DC Safe and Beautiful initiative, the National Park Service completed improvements on the US Marine Corps War Memorial and surrounding site in advance of the 51st Marine Corps Marathon, the 251st US Marine Corps Birthday, and Veterans Day.
Memorial Preservation: Preservation specialists from the NPS Historic Preservation Training Center (HPTC) cleaned and waxed the bronze sculpture, cleaned the granite base, and completed repairs to prevent future mineral deposit streaking on the base.
Memorial Inscription Update: The granite base lists the principal engagements of the Marine Corps since its founding in 1775. HPTC managed the project, including a stone carving contract to add closing dates, confirmed by Marine Corps historians, to the Afghanistan and Iraq inscriptions. HPTC specialists then gilded the new dates in 23.5-karat gold leaf to match the existing lettering.
Walkway Repairs: The George Washington Memorial Parkway, assisted by the Denver Service Center, modified an existing contract to repave the worst condition walkways on site. Park maintenance specialists supplemented this work by patching other walkaways which did not need a full repave.
Drinking Fountain Repairs: Park maintenance specialists repaired an underground water line and restored a drinking fountain to working order.
Entrance Sign Replacement: Park maintenance specialists installed a new entrance sign.
Lighting Replacement: There are a total of 66 lights along the walkways at the site, with 35 currently damaged, missing, or inoperable. The park, with assistance from the Interior Business Center, has awarded a contract to replace lighting. This is expected to be completed by mid-December.
Marine Corps Veteran Pat Sutton from the Historic Preservation Training Center explains how the National Park Service preserves monuments, like the United States Marine Corps Memorial.
The end date to the Afghanistan campaign honor is carved onto the base of the US Marine Corps War Memorial.
