About the Monument

Our historic monument depicts the photograph taken by Associated Press Combat Photographer Joe Rosenthal on Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima on the fifth day of the battle. His photograph became the symbol of patriotism, the unity of purpose, and the spirit of victory displayed by all Americans during WWII. 

Our sculptor was Joseph Petrovics of Sculpture House Castings, Inc. of New York City. He created this unique bronze sculpture using Rosenthal’s iconic photograph along with advice from Iwo Jima Survivors. The Iwo Jima Survivors Association of Connecticut and the members of the Iwo Jima Memorial Historical Foundation Inc recognize the honor, valor and sacrifice of those who fought and died there.

The rocks beneath the statue at the feet of the flag-raisers are from the site of the original flag-raising on Mt. Suribachi. Volcanic sand from Iwo Jima has been incorporated into the concrete base, making this monument the only one of its kind. The granite column at the left holds the Eternal Flame. The monuments to the right honor the Navy Corpsmen (medical personnel) and Navy Chaplains assigned to Marine Corps Units. 

In 1987, the Iwo Jima Survivors Association was founded by Dr. George Gentile to perpetuate the memory of those who served in the Battle for Iwo Jima and those who were killed in action. He was also instrumental in creating the National Iwo Jima Memorial Monument & Park in Newington/New Britain Connecticut. As The Survivors realized that they could no longer maintain the upkeep of the Monument and Park, they founded the Iwo Jima Memorial Historical Foundation Inc in 1996 to perpetuate the mission of the Iwo Jima Survivors Association.