A donation of more than $5 million will enable the National Park Service to restore the Iwo Jima statue at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial/NPS
A frequent donor to the national parks has given more than $5 million to pay for restoration of the iconic Iwo Jima sculpture at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial across the Potomac River from the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
David M. Rubenstein, who in the past has donated nearly $20 million combined to help restore Arlington House and repair the Washington Monument after it was damaged by an earthquake, presented a $5.37 million check on Wednesday to the National Park Foundation's Centennial Campaign for America's National Parks. Accepted the check were National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis, National Park Foundation Interim President Dan Wenk and U.S. Marine Corps Major General Michael R. Regner.
A Park Service release said the gift advances President Obamaâs Centennial Initiative for the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016, a multi-year effort to invest in the National Park Systemâs important resources, engage volunteers and the next generation, and leverage public-private partnerships to enhance the national park experience for millions of visitors from around the world.
"Since their beginning, national parks have been the fortunate beneficiaries of visionary and generous people who devoted their time, talent and treasure to creating and preserving them, but these acts of love for one's country and bequests to future generations didn't have a name until David Rubenstein," Director Jarvis said. "Not only has David coined the term 'patriotic philanthropy,' he practices it in a way that inspires others to join him. We are grateful for his continued support of America's national parks and the stories they preserve and share."
Mr. Rubenstein's gift will allow the Park Service to re-gild the engravings on the sculpture's pedestal, wax the sculpture, and improve lighting, landscaping, and infrastructure. This gift will also provide the funding needed to enrich educational materials and park signs, which teach visitors about the significance and importance of the memorial.
"It is a privilege to honor our fellow Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice to attain and preserve the freedoms we enjoy. I hope this gift enables visitors to the Iwo Jima Memorial to better appreciate the beauty and significance of this iconic sculpture, and inspires other Americans to support critical needs facing our national park system," Mr. Rubenstein said during a brief ceremony.
The United States Marine Corps War Memorial was officially dedicated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on November 10, 1954, the 179th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps.
"The Marine Corps War Memorial stands as a symbol of this grateful nationâs esteem for the honored dead of the U.S. Marine Corps. While the statue depicts one of the most iconic photos of World War II, the memorial is dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives in the defense of the United States, since 1775. We are grateful for Mr. Rubensteinâs patriotism and generous donation to the National Park Foundation that will ensure this significant memorial continues to honor our fallen and inform public understanding of the cost and nature of their nation's expeditionary force in readiness," Major General Michael R. Regner said.
As the official charity of America's national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service, the National Park Foundation received the gift that will make this restoration at the memorial possible.
"Mr. Rubenstein's transformative gift is an inspiring example of the unique connections individuals have with their national parks and the important role that public-private partnerships play in ensuring that the places honoring our history and heritage are protected and preserved now and for future generations," said Mr. Wenk. "We are grateful for Mr. Rubenstein's continued support of Americaâs national parks, and we believe it will serve as inspiration for other donors to leave their own legacy through gifts that bolster national parks across the country."
From its inception, the National Park System has benefited from private support. Many of the earliest national parks were the direct beneficiaries of generous philanthropists who stepped forward to keep the national parks beautiful, vital and accessible.
As part of its commitment to the National Park Service Centennial in 2016, the National Park Foundation is embarking on a national fundraising campaign dedicated to raising private support for America's national parks. In addition, in celebration of the milestone centennial anniversary, the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation launched the Find Your Park movement, a public awareness and education campaign inspiring all people to connect with, celebrate, and support America's national parks -- protecting and enriching them for future generations. Find Your Park highlights the National Park Service's important work and invites people to discover their own unique connections to parks and National Park Service programs.
