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The National Iwo Jima Memorial Monument and Park
  
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The Monument
The National Iwo Jima Memorial Monument was unveiled and dedicated on February 23, 1995, the 50th anniversary of the historic flag raising on Mount Suribachi. This flag raising on the island of Iwo Jima was the first time the American flag was flown on Japanese soil. The Iwo Jima Survivors Association raised the funds that were needed to build the monument which is dedicated to the 100 servicemen from Connecticut that died during the battle.
The Monument is similar to, but not a replica, of the Marine Corps Memorial in Washington D. C. What makes ours unique is certain features it contains. The base contains 10 different India polished black granite panels. On the front, are inscribed the names of the 100 men from Connecticut who died during the battle and to whom the monument is dedicated. Also on the panels are names of the men who raised the first and second flag on Mt. Suribachi. There is also a map, famous quotations from the battle and historic facts and figures. Our monument was sculpted by a different artist, Joseph Petrovics. Incorporated into the base is sand from the shores of Iwo Jima. At the feet of the men, are genuine rocks from Iwo Jima. Lastly, our monument flies a 48-star flag which is historically correct to the time of the flag raising.
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The Eternal Flame and Memorial Walkway
The Eternal flame was dedicated and first lit on Veterans Day, November 11, 1995. On it is inscribed "Eternal Flame is in tribute to and in memory all those Americans who fought and died in World War II in the defense of freedom throughout the world". The Connecticut Natural Gas company donated services to install the gas line and the black granite pedestal on which the flame burns. The flame burns 24-hours a day, every day of the year. Leading up to the Eternal Flame is a Memorial Walkway. The Walkway is inscribed with messages from sponsors. The Memorial Walkway was dedicated and unveiled on Memorial Day, May 30, 1996.
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The Chaplains and Medical Corps Monument
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The Chaplains and Medical Corps Monument is dedicated to the chaplains who mended the servicemens faith and to the medical corpsmen who mended their bodies.
In front of this monument, is the Walkway of Valor. On it is inscribed the names of members of the Iwo Jima Survivors Association.
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Additional Park Features
The entrance to the park welcomes visitors with a sign donated by Mr. Fred Feiffer in memory of his brother who was KIA. On the east side of the monument, is a Time Capsule. It contains the names of the 6,821 men who were KIA on the island of Iwo Jima and memorabilia. Also in the Time Capsule is a cemetery file which records the names of the men buried on the island and those who were wounded and buried at sea. The capsule is marked with a plaque and will be opened 50 years later on May 30, 2045. As you stand at the beginning of the walkway leading to the monument, there are three more features to see. To your left, is a monument sign. It was donated by Mr. Michael Timura in memory of his brother who was KIA. Behind that, is a large boulder that was found while the site was being excavated. The Survivors noticed that it was shaped like the island of Iwo Jima and so they decided it should remain on display. To your right, is a granite monument giving recognition and thanks to all who made major donations of services or funds to construct the park.
  
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