After The Memorial Was Dedicated

The Marine Corps War Memorial was dedicated on November 10, 1954 — the 179th birthday of the Marine Corps.

The ceremony was attended by President Dwight Eisenhower, Vice President Richard Nixon, and thousands of others.

The monument was unveiled to considerable public attention and was immediately recognized as a landmark.

Ira Hayes was there.

Photographs from the dedication ceremony show him with other veterans, watching the unveiling.

He had driven from Arizona, by some accounts, making the journey to be present for the dedication.