U.S. Marine Corps Memorial to be Restored After $5.4 Million Donation

The famous bronze U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial overlooking Washington that depicts Marines raising the American flag at Iwo Jima during World War II has begun turning green with age, but now will be restored with a $5.37 million gift.

Philanthropist David Rubenstein announced Wednesday that he will give the National Park Foundation the funds needed to wash, wax and restore the memorial and its plaza and landscaping. Improvements are also planned for the memorial's signage and access for handicapped visitors. The project will also restore the memorial's engravings to be much brighter.