Iwo Jima Memorial in Cape Coral undergoing restoration

Work is underway to restore the Iwo Jima Memorial at the Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve in Cape Coral.

Just steps away from traffic on the Midpoint Bridge lies the Iwo Jima Memorial, a 20-foot statue depicting six marines raising the American flag.

It’s a symbol that means everything to Fort Myers Recruiting Station Comm. Liam Berger, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

“When you are in a situation where it is life or death, and the first thing that comes to mind is to plant a flag and raise it up… it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” Berger said.

Berger drives past the memorial often. He says no matter how many times he sees it, he always gets goosebumps.

Fellow veteran Charles Reed, chairman of the Marine Corps League’s restoration committee, feels the same way. Hoping to keep the historical site in good condition, he partnered with the City of Cape Coral to have it restored.

“It’s going to be… wash it down, seal all the cracks, repaint it, and the general basic maintenance,” Reed said.

It’s the first restoration effort the site has seen in over 10 years. Crews started work Tuesday and expect to complete the job in around six weeks.

Berger says he’s proud the city is putting in the effort.

“When you look at a city that’s willing to take pride in its smallest entity, that Congress has tried to disband twice, and we’re still here fighting and answering every single call… that gives us just the greatest feeling in the world,” Berger said.

And Reed is grateful to be a part of the team helping keep the symbolic site intact for many years to come.

The Iwo Jima Memorial became a permanent fixture in Cape Coral back in 1998. The city says if you do plan to visit during the restoration process, expect to see some scaffolding.