1/1 Memorial
The 1st Battalion, 1st Marines (1/1) hold a special place in the hearts of Newport Beach residents and now our community has a permanent place in their honor. On Memorial Day, May 26, 2008, the community dedicated a memorial in honor of the Marines of 1/1. The memorial in located in Castaways Park, 900 Dover Drive (16th Street and Dover Drive).
The memorial, designed by artist Benjamin Victor, is a bronze sculpture set against a black granite backdrop. It represents a young Marine in battle dress, walking forward while looking back. Though designed for the Marines of 1/1, it is intended to honor all military personnel and to serve as a place for the community to pause and remember those who have served the United States. More than 200 community members donated over $135,000 to help cover the entire cost of the memorial.
The relationship between the City and 1/1 began in 2003 when the City “adopted” 1/1 to assist these Marines and their families. 1/1 is a decorated Marine unit that first saw action in World War II and recently returned from its third deployment to Iraq. The Newport Beach community has donated more than $590,000 to provide financial assistance for special medical devices, travel expenses for families of injured Marines, special Battalion events, and support for the families of casualties of the war.
The memorial, designed by artist Benjamin Victor, is a bronze sculpture set against a black granite backdrop. It represents a young Marine in battle dress, walking forward while looking back. Though designed for the Marines of 1/1, it is intended to honor all military personnel and to serve as a place for the community to pause and remember those who have served the United States. More than 200 community members donated over $135,000 to help cover the entire cost of the memorial.
The relationship between the City and 1/1 began in 2003 when the City “adopted” 1/1 to assist these Marines and their families. 1/1 is a decorated Marine unit that first saw action in World War II and recently returned from its third deployment to Iraq. The Newport Beach community has donated more than $590,000 to provide financial assistance for special medical devices, travel expenses for families of injured Marines, special Battalion events, and support for the families of casualties of the war.