Commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, honoring the bravery and sacrifice of U.S. service members and reaffirming the friendship between the U.S. and Japan. Encourages Americans to remember and honor the veterans of this pivotal World War II battle.
Ken Calvert
Representative
CA-41
This bill recognizes the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, a pivotal World War II battle, and commemorates the historic flag raisings on Mount Suribachi. It honors the U.S. and Japanese soldiers who fought, remembers those who died, and reaffirms the friendship between the U.S. and Japan. The bill encourages Americans to honor the veterans of Iwo Jima and today's U.S. service members.
Iwo Jima 80th Anniversary Bill Honors Historic Battle, Reaffirms U.S.-Japan Ties
This bill marks the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, a key turning point in World War II, and reaffirms the current alliance between the United States and Japan. Officially, it acknowledges the brutal fighting that took place starting February 19, 1945, and ending March 26, 1945, and honors the sacrifices of both American and Japanese soldiers involved.
Remembering Iwo Jima
The bill specifically highlights the iconic flag-raising on Mount Suribachi (February 23, 1945). It’s not just about remembering a battle; it’s about recognizing the intense struggle and ultimate victory that helped pave the way for Japan's surrender. The bill cites Admiral Chester Nimitz's famous quote, stating that "uncommon valor was a common virtue" among the American servicemen. Think of it like this, it's officially adding this to the history books, ensuring that the bravery and sacrifice aren't forgotten. For a family member of someone who fought there, this is formal recognition of their loved one's service.
Bridging the Past and Present
Beyond the historical aspect, the bill does something crucial: it reaffirms the strong friendship between the U.S. and Japan. This isn't just symbolic. Strong diplomatic ties can have real-world effects, from trade deals that impact businesses (and therefore jobs) to joint efforts on security issues. It also encourages Americans to honor veterans of the battle through "appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities." This could mean anything from supporting veteran-focused charities to funding educational programs in schools. It's a call to action to keep the memory of Iwo Jima, and the lessons learned, alive.
###Honoring Service, Then and Now
The bill also makes a point of honoring today's service members, drawing a direct line between their commitment and the legacy of those who fought at Iwo Jima. It's a reminder that the values of service and sacrifice are ongoing, not just historical footnotes. While there aren't direct, immediate financial implications like a tax change or new spending program, the bill sets a tone of remembrance and respect for military service, which can indirectly influence future policy decisions related to veterans' affairs and international relations.