Harlingen, Texas - Original Iwo Jima Memorial and Museum

The original sculpture of the Iwo Jima Memorial, that is in Arlington Cemetery in Washington DC, is in Harlingen at the Marine Military Academy and Iwo Jima Memorial Museum. This is the clay sculpture that the bronze statue in Arlington Cemetery was made from.

The detail is awesome! Even the cloth weave is visible in the soldiers' clothes and web belts.

There is an adjacent, small museum with Marine memorabilia, mainly from Iwo. Take time to pet the calico cat greeter outside. Site is free with donations accepted. [Bob and Virginia Miller, 12/03/2006]

At the base of the statue, Harlon Block is buried. Harlon Block was one of the original flag raisers on that fateful day. South Texas is Harlon's birth home. [Leo Alva, 08/14/2005]

One more Texas attraction. We have our own bronze statue of the Iwo Jima War Memorial at Harlingen, Texas. It is the very same as the one in Arlington National Cemetery. [Beverly Short, 02/15/1998]

[RA: It's the original plaster working model of the famous bronze statue, treated for preservation. One marine's canteen would hold 32 quarts of water. Part of the Marine Military Academy at 320 Iwo Jima Blvd. Visitors Center, museum and gift shop, of course.]