Information Panels: A Legacy Older than the Republic and Something More than a Statue

Learn more about the Marine Corps and the memorial's creation.

Quick Facts

Amenities

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Audio Description, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

A Legacy Older than the Republic

You might be surprised to learn that there have been Marines for longer than there has been a country called the United States of America.

The Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, first authorized the raising of the “Continental Marines”—in November 1775.

The well-known ability of the Marines to quickly respond to emergencies—in any part of the globe—has made them a part of almost every conflict in the history of the United States. Marines have “fought their countries battles” on every continent, and sailed every sea on the planet, for more than 240 years. One of your best opportunities to learn more in depth about Marines, their challenges, triumphs, and traditions is not far away. Near Quantico, Virginia, about 30 minutes driving time from here, you can explore the National Museum of the Marine Corps or conduct research at the Marine Corps History Division.

That Eagle, Globe, and Anchor: Time-honored Traditions

In the early 1800s Marine’s buttons showed an eagle clutching a fouled anchor with 13 stars above. You can still see that on dress and service uniform buttons today. Only the stars have changed—from six points then to five points.

“I tried to create something more than a statue” –Felix de Weldon, 1945

Dedicated: 10 November 1954
Height: 78 feet or 23.8 m
Sculptor: Felix de Weldon (1907-2003)
Cost (1954): $850,000
Made of: Bronze, Black granite from Sweden
Paid for by individual marines and friends of the Corps

De Weldon worked on this project for nine years. The statue you see here is 64 times larger than de Weldon’s first mockup. Three Marines who survived Iwo Jima posed for the artist with their combat gear.

Before World War II, there were no national memorials honoring American veterans. This was the first. Felix de Weldon was working for the Navy when he first saw the flag-raising photo. Powerfully inspired, he started work. He created his first small statue in only 48 hours. He then secured approval from the Corps and Congress to make something grander.

He hoped for monumental art that could “encompass the valiant spirit of our fighting men and trill the heart of the Nation.”