Come to the Sunset Parade at Iwo Jima

Every summer since 1956, two years after the Marine Corps War Memorial was dedicated, the Marines have held a weekly Sunset Parade at the Iwo Jima Memorial — a tradition that has continued without interruption for nearly seven decades. The 45-minute ceremony begins at 7 p.m. on Tuesday evenings from June through August, featuring The Commandant’s Own — the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps — and the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon performing with a precision that has to be seen in person to be fully appreciated. The 78-foot bronze memorial depicting six Marines raising the flag on Mount Suribachi at Iwo Jima serves as an extraordinary backdrop, particularly as the sun descends and the sky changes color behind it throughout the performance.

Admission is completely free, and no reservations are required. Guests are encouraged to arrive 30 to 45 minutes early to secure a good viewing spot and have an opportunity to meet and speak with Marines before the ceremony begins  . Bring a blanket or lawn chair and arrive with enough time to walk the perimeter of the memorial and read the inscriptions before the show starts. Note that the Arlington National Cemetery Metro station closes before the parade ends, so plan to use the Rosslyn Metro station for your return journey — or take advantage of the Capital Bikeshare station located directly adjacent to the memorial. Water stations are typically provided, but bringing your own bottle is advisable given summer temperatures. Confirm the current season’s schedule at the Marine Corps website here