This bill recognizes the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima and honors the service, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of the U.S. personnel who fought in the historic 1945 campaign.
Ken Calvert
Representative
CA-41
This resolution commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, honoring the courage and sacrifice of the U.S. service members who fought in this pivotal World War II campaign. It recognizes the strategic importance of the victory, the iconic flag-raising on Mount Suribachi, and the enduring spirit of reconciliation between the United States and Japan.
Congress Commemorates 80th Anniversary of Iwo Jima: A Tribute to Valor and Strategic Victory in 2025
This resolution officially marks the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, a 36-day campaign that took place from February 19 to March 26, 1945. It serves as a formal recognition of the strategic importance of the island—which provided a critical emergency landing site for 2,400 B-29 bombers—and honors the more than 26,000 U.S. casualties sustained during the fight. Beyond just looking back, the resolution encourages nationwide commemorative programs throughout 2025 and reaffirms the modern diplomatic bond between the United States and Japan.
More Than a Photo Op
While most of us recognize the iconic image of the flag-raising on Mount Suribachi, this resolution digs into the heavy lifting behind that moment. It specifically honors the Marines, Navy, Army, and Coast Guard personnel who navigated the heavily fortified island. For families of veterans or history buffs, this is a formal nod to the fact that this single battle produced 27 Medal of Honor recipients—the highest number for any single engagement in Marine Corps history. It’s a way of ensuring that the “uncommon valor” described by Admiral Chester Nimitz remains part of the official national record as the last of the Greatest Generation passes the torch.
A Legacy of Safety and Reconciliation
The resolution highlights a staggering statistic: the capture of Iwo Jima’s three airfields saved approximately 24,000 aircrew members who otherwise might not have had a place to land their damaged planes. By linking the sacrifice of the 6,800 Americans killed in action to the lives saved, the bill frames the battle not just as a territorial win, but as a massive life-saving operation. It also takes a moment to acknowledge the 21,000 Japanese soldiers who defended the island, using the anniversary to pivot toward the current "bonds of friendship" between the two nations. For everyday citizens, this means 2025 will likely see an uptick in local ceremonies, educational programs, and international events aimed at reflecting on how former enemies became essential allies.