GOLDEN, Colorado -- On September 13, 1975, construction began on the Marine Corps Memorial in Golden, CO. On Dec. 23, 1976, a time capsule set for 100 years was deposited in the base of the Memorial. The capsule contents commemorate the United States Bicentennial, the State of Colorado Centennial and the 201st birthday of the United States Marine Corps. The Memorial was completed and officially dedicated to all Marines on Aug. 24, 1977, by then Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Louis H. Wilson Jr.
Several additions have also been introduced to the memorial in the 40 years since its establishment, to include a plaque honoring females Marines, another plaque honoring Navy corpsmen, and six commemorative stones for the six Marine Divisions.
The U.S. Marine Corps Memorial Association, along with other organizations, participated in the planning and execution of this year’s 40th commemoration of the memorial.
Notable guests at the event included retired Marine Corps Major Gen. James Livingston, a Vietnam War veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, Lt. Gen. Rex McMillian, commanding general for Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Corps Forces North, Mike Coffman, the U.S. Representative for Colorado’s 6th congressional district, and more.