IWO JIMA MONUMENTS - The Untold Story In 1945 there was an Original Wartime-Built IWO JIMA MONUMENT unveiled in front of the old Department of the Navy Building on Constitution Avenue in Washington, DC. The flag raising atop Mt. Suribachi on Iwo Jima has become one of the most powerful images of the 20th century. A sacred symbol of the U.S. Marine Corps, it is also regarded as one of the most recognizable images in the world. "Iwo Jima was a volcanic inferno of death and heroism. The battle marked an epic finale of mankind's hand-to-hand combat before two primitive atomic bombs changed the world forever. Iwo Jima's bloody legacy includes more casualties (26,040) than D-Day/Normandy (10,000+). One third of all Marines who died in World War II were killed on Iwo Jima. One third of all Marines who fought on Iwo Jima were killed or wounded on Iwo Jima. The Marines took 25,000 casualties 7,000 dead. Most all of the 22,000 Japanese soldiers died there. The flag raising on Iwo Jima has become our national symbol of the spirit of victory and unity of purpose - both then and now. It is an inspiration for all Americans. The Iwo Jima Monuments are memorials to not only the men who died on Iwo Jima, but a tribute to all those who have served in the cause of freedom and the defense of our nation."