Iwo Jima Memorial to get a facelift

Starting this Tuesday, public access to the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, will be limited until February 2018.

ARLnow reported that a $5.37 million renovation has begun for the memorial, which will include washing and waxing the structure, re-gilding its lettering, and improving lighting. Any damage done to the plaza will also be repaired. New signs, shrubs, and trees are planned as well. ARLnow further reported that the roadway and footpath around the memorial will be repaved.

While the access road to the memorial’s parking lot will be closed, access to the memorial plaza from N. Meade Street will remain open.

Philanthropist David Rubenstein funded the project. Rubenstein is also known for funding other local projects, such as the Washington Monument’s post-earthquake repairs and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ endowment.

President Dwight Eisenhower dedicated the memorial in 1954, and since then, the memorial has had an average of 1.5 million visitors per year, according to ARLnow.

• Work Begins on Revamping Iwo Jima Memorial [ARLnow]