QUANTICO — The U.S. flag will once again fly over the Iwo Jima Memorial at Quantico.
During the windstorm in March, the hands holding the pole were damaged to the point that the flag was no longer stable. The statue greets visitors at the main gate to the base, as well as those who use Route 1 to drive past the base..
Bids have been solicited and received by the Marine Corps to repair the statue. A decision to award a repair contract should be made in the next couple of weeks.
The main repairs will be to the hands holding the statue, which in some places are cracked completely through. Other work will be done to restore and stabilize the limestone in other weakened areas of the memorial.
The range of repairs will depend on the extent of the damage discovered during the official inspections done during the bidding process.
Repairs will be paid for from the base maintenance fund. Work is estimated to begin in 30-90 days. The restoration of the memorial should take another three months to complete.
Despite the number of calls that have been placed to the base regarding the missing flag, officials made the decision to remove the flag until repairs could be done.
The statue is a recreation of a photograph captured by Joe Rosenthal on February 23, 1945, of Marines raising the flag during the Battle of Iwo Jima in WWII.
Architects of the nearby National Museum of the Marine Corps modeled the building after the photograph.
Marines stationed at Quantico Marine Corps Base have offered to repair the statue themselves. One Marine called the Office of public affairs, stating “Send a Gunny and three Marines out there. There’ll be a flag up in fifteen minutes,” said Captain Ken Kunze, a base spokesman.
Patriotic Marines on base have already replaced the flag in the hands of the statue on one occasion.
Officials, fearing that the weight of the blowing flag would cause more extensive damage to the memorial, are discouraging further offers of help. It is possible, due to the current extent of the damage, that some of the fingers could actually break off.
This is not the first time the iconic statue has needed repair. The limestone memorial was vandalized in 2012 and damaged by a storm 2014.
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A Night on the Riviera
Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras!
Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.
For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, the VIP experience includes unlimited champagne, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this festive celebration.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
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Kick off National Nutrition Month with an educational discussion on Wednesday, March 5 at 12 PM EST with Sunday Health dementia neurologist Dr. Sara Doyle and
