Cunningham: Standing for Honor in South Texas

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Today, November 11, 2024, Americans across the nation pause to honor the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Veterans Day is a time to recognize the sacrifices of those who have defended our freedom and safeguarded our nation’s values.

We express our gratitude to veterans of all generations for their courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our country from quiet reflections in homes and communities, to ceremonies at historic monuments like the Iwo Jima Memorial in Harlingen, Texas

The Iwo Jima Monument in Harlingen, Texas, stands as a profound tribute to the valor and sacrifice of the United States Marine Corps during World War II. This sculpture, located on the grounds of the Marine Military Academy (MMA), is not only a significant historical artifact but also a focal point for commemorative events, such as the Veterans Day ceremony held annually on November 11.

Origins and Significance of the Monument

The monument is the original working model created by sculptor Dr. Felix W. de Weldon for the iconic Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. Dr. de Weldon, an Austrian-born American sculptor, was profoundly moved by the photograph taken by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal, which captured six Marines raising the American flag atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945. This image became a symbol of hope and perseverance during the war.

Dr. de Weldon dedicated nearly a decade to crafting the full-sized plaster model, which served as the basis for the bronze memorial in Washington, D.C. After the completion of the bronze statue, the plaster model was placed in storage until 1981, when Dr. de Weldon donated it to the Marine Military Academy. The monument was dedicated on April 16, 1982, and has since been a central feature of the academy’s campus.

Dimensions and Distinct Features

Standing at 32 feet high, the figures in the Harlingen monument are erecting a 78-foot steel flagpole from which a cloth flag flies continuously. Notably, this makes the Harlingen monument approximately 11 feet taller than the bronze version in Washington, D.C., which stands at 21 feet high with a 60-foot flagpole. The figures are arranged in the same positions as in Rosenthal’s historic photograph, capturing the exact moment of the flag-raising.

Honoring a Local Hero

The monument holds special significance for the local community as it honors Corporal Harlon H. Block, a native of nearby Weslaco, Texas. Cpl. Block was one of the six Marines depicted in the flag-raising scene and is positioned at the base of the statue. He was killed in action on Iwo Jima on March 1, 1945. Originally buried in the 5th Marine Division Cemetery on Iwo Jima, his remains were reinterred in Weslaco in January 1949.

In 1995, fulfilling his family’s wishes, Cpl. Block’s body was moved to a burial site directly behind the monument at the Marine Military Academy, allowing him to rest near the statue that immortalizes his bravery.

Veterans Day Ceremonies

Each year, the Marine Military Academy hosts a Veterans Day ceremony at the Iwo Jima Monument to honor all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The event typically includes a parade by the academy’s cadets, speeches from military personnel and dignitaries, and a wreath-laying ceremony at the base of the monument. These ceremonies serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by service members and reinforce the academy’s commitment to instilling values of honor, courage, and commitment in its cadets.

The Marine Military Academy: A Legacy of Excellence

Established in 1965, the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, Texas, is a private, college-preparatory boarding school for young men in grades 7 through 12, with an optional postgraduate year. It is the only private school in the world based on the traditions and values of the U.S. Marine Corps. The academy was founded by Captain William “Bill” Gary, a retired Marine Corps officer, who envisioned an institution that would develop young men into leaders of character.

The academy’s 142-acre gated campus includes a swimming pool, three gyms, four athletic fields, four tennis courts, a 40-acre Leadership Enhancement and Development (LEAD) complex, and a marksmanship center. The diverse and international student body benefits from a rigorous academic curriculum, with more than 55 academic courses and 20 sports and activities offered. The academy maintains small class sizes, with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, and offers honors classes and college credit courses through dual credit and advanced placement programs.

The Marine Military Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools and has been recognized as a Naval Honor School for its exemplary Marine Corps Junior ROTC program. The academy’s mission is to prepare young men for college and responsible leadership, instilling in them the core values of honor, courage, and commitment.

The Iwo Jima Monument in Harlingen, Texas, stands as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the United States Marine Corps. Its presence on the campus of the Marine Military Academy serves as a daily inspiration to the cadets and a solemn reminder of the cost of freedom. Through annual ceremonies and its educational programs, the academy ensures that the legacy of those who fought at Iwo Jima, including local hero Corporal Harlon H. Block, is honored and remembered by future generations.

Citations:

MMA Texas

Iwo Jima Monument at the Marine Military Academy; mma-tx.org

Texas Health Compass

Iwo Jima Museum and Monument – Texas Historical Commission

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