The parade deck is named in honor of Major General Oscar Peatross, commanding general of Parris Island from November 1968 to May 1971. From 1915 to 1942, the deck was unpaved and recruits drilled in loose sand or deep mud. In 1993, the area was reduced from 25 acres to 16. Traditionally called “the grinder", the parade deck is the site of many colorful ceremonies, including recruit graduations. Also, to your left, just past the parade deck structures is a monument commemorating the heroic flag raising on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima in 1945. The monument, constructed of coated plaster, was sculpted by Felix de Weldon and predates his more famous bronze version in Arlington Cemetery near Washington, D.C. This piece was used during war bond drives to raise money for the invasion of Japan. It replicates one of the most famous photographs of all time, taken by Combat Photographer Joe Rosenthal.
Continue on Boulevard de France. After you pass under the “We Make Marines” sign, the Douglas Visitor Center is on your left.
