One of our favorite locations for photography in the Washington DC area is the grounds of the US Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. Not only can you photograph the statue commemorating the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima, but you can also photograph one of the best views of the Washington DC Skyline.

Designed by Horace Peaslee, the Marine Memorial was dedicated by President Eisenhower on November 10, 1954, the 179th anniversary of the founding of the U.S Marine Corps.

The names and dates of significant Marine engagements are inscribed in the granite just below the statue. The “Uncommon Valor Was a Common Virtue” inscription is from Admiral Chester W. Nimitz’s tribute to the Marines who fought at Iwo Jima.

The view from the grounds of the Marine Memorial include the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and U.S. Capitol building. It is one of the most spectacular views of the city skyline we’ve found.

My photo of the DC Skyline was taken by standing just in front of the Marine Memorial. By standing on the hill behind the Marine Memorial, Bill was able to capture both the Memorial and the skyline in one photo.

Marine Memorial with DC Skyline (c) 2006 William Lawrence

In the larger prints of Bill’s photo, you can read the one battle that is lit by the light at the base of the memorial. The light is highlighting the words Iwo Jima.

The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial is located on Marshall Drive, in Arlington, Virginia, adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery. The site is administered by the National Park Service. There is some parking available at the Memorial, and there is no admission fee. The Memorial is open 24 hours a day, and so far, we’ve never had any problems using a tripod at the Marine Memorial.