The only road in and out of the Iwo Jima Memorial for vehicles People can still walk into the Memorial area but for many elderly and disabled vets it is necessary they be driven and park right next to the statue. There are parking spots for cars and buses right next the Memorial that can only be accessed via the above road. The view shown is also the last 200 yards of the planned Marine Corps Marathon in three weeks. That would be 20,000 pissed off runners (i.e. voters) who have trained for months." The stop is a popular destination for veterans and tourists alike, and is usually completely unmanned and unguarded. But, for some reason, it's closed to the public during this federal government shutdown. Upon arrival at the memorial the Syracuse Honor Flight group just knocked down the barrier and went in.
