US Marine Corps War Memorial

Rangers lower the iconic flag to half-staff at the very memorial for those we have lost. The NPS echoes the words of the President's proclamation to fly the flag at half staff:

"Our thoughts and prayers as a Nation are with the service members killed last week in Chattanooga. We honor their service. We offer our gratitude to the police officers and first responders who stopped the rampage and saved lives. We draw strength from yet another American community that has come together with an unmistakable message to those who would try and do us harm: We do not give in to fear. You cannot divide us. And you will not change our way of life."

The NPS remains always faithful in our charge to honor their memory. Semper fidelis.

May 2, 2015 is the Kentucky Derby

During the Korean War, Sergeant Reckless, a horse that held official rank in the U.S. Marine Corps was purchased 1952 for $250 from a Korean stableboy at the Seoul racetrack who needed money to buy an artificial leg for his sister.

Reckless served in numerous combat actions during the Korean War, carrying supplies and ammunition, and was also used to evacuate wounded. Learning each supply route after only a couple of trips, she often traveled to deliver supplies to the troops on her own, without benefit of a handler. In a single day in March 1953, during fighting around Vegas Hill when she made 51 solo trips to resupply multiple front line units. She was given the battlefield rank of corporal in 1953, and then a battlefield promotion to sergeant in 1954. She also was awarded two Purple Hearts, a Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, and several other military honors.

During the 140th Kentucky Derby, Reckless sponsored the Eight Belles race in an effort to increase awareness about the Korean War.

David Rubenstein Donates $5.37 Million to the National Park Foundation to Restore U.S. Marine... David Rubenstein Donates $5.37 Million to the National Park Foundation to Restore U.S. Marine Corps ‘Iwo Jima’ Memorial

The National Park Service and the George Washington Memorial Parkway wishes to remind everyone that Monday, February 16th is the Federal holiday officially known as "George Washington's Birthday." Ironically, while the parkway has the official presidential memorials to Theodore Roosevelt and Lyndon Baines Johnson, the United States government is not celebrating "President's Day." So remind your friends, family, and coworkers on Monday to honor the first and greatest of the American presidents...George Washington.

Our National Parks are meant to be loved and also are places of love. Watch this Valentine's Day video of love blossoming at dozens of National Park sites, including Great Falls Park in Virginia, which like the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, is part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

The Sweetest Valentine's Day Video You'll Watch Today Each year thousands of people come to public lands to express their love. Here are a few of those special moments. Happy Valentine's Day from all of us here ...

USMC in World War II

On this Superbowl Sunday, it is worth remembering the real heroes of American Football. During World War II, eleven football players who joined the United States Marine Corps and underwent training at Parris Island, South Carolina.

Shown kneeling in the image are Tommy Davis, Duke University; Mike Micka, Colgate University; Bert Gianelli, College of Pacific; Elmer Jones, Franklin and Marshall; Alex Agase, Purdue University; Pat Preston, Duke; Ralph Heywood, University of Southern California; and standing are Angelo Bertelli, University of Notre Dame; John Podesto, College of Pacific; Tony Butkovich, Purdue University; Mickey McCardle, University of Southern California.

January 20, 1953: USMC on This Date

Women Marines from Quantico assembled in Washington, D.C. to participate in the inaugural parade for President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

January 12, 1944: Netherlands Carillon

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt wrote a newspaper column called "My Day" in which she gave short accounts of her life. After a visit in January 1944, Eleanor commented about Princess Juliana of Netherlands, who lived in exile during World War II. Mrs. Roosevelt wrote that, "Last night I attended the Netherland-America Foundation dinner in honor of Princess Juliana of the Netherlands. It is always a great pleasure for me to be with this young princess who is so deeply interested in the good of her country. She has already begun making studies of the best ways to handle certain conditions after the war, and is showing foresight in her preparation for her return to Holland."

Queen Juliana assumed the throne in 1948 and Eleanor Roosevelt visited her often in the Dutch Netherlands. The friendship between them was strong and deep.

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas....

Last year marines at Cherry Point, North Carolina gathered their Christmas trees and delivered them to Fort Macon State Park, where they are being used to help preserve the beaches and dunes from erosion.

“Not only do these trees help as a wind block, but the trees also help build new dunes,” said Park Ranger Paul Branch with Fort Macon State Park. Branch said this effort has been going on since 1964 and uses more than 1,500 trees annually to fortify the dunes.

Park rangers strategically place the trees to catch blowing sand. Over time, the trees are covered with sand and become part of the dune. Each year, park personnel stack more trees in the same areas, helping to build up the dunes. Eventually, nature takes over. Wild vegetation begins to grow to further build the dune’s strength.

“The project helps ensure a better tomorrow for the community.” said Branch. “The service members who donate to this project ensure that it continues to work year after year.”

December 29, 1896: USMC in the Civil War

On this date, Rear Admiral Samuel Francis Du Pont wrote to Colonel John Harris, Commandant of the Marine Corps and declared that, "Throughout my professional life, I have looked upon the Corps as a most valuable part of our naval organization, and this opinion has only been the more confirmed by every year’s additional experience in active service."