U.S. veterans return to Iwo Jima for 70th anniversary

2015-03-22T10:23:37-04:00

I am sure it was emotional for these veterans and thank you for your service.

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/2015/03/21/us-veterans-return-to-iwo-jima-for-70th-anniversary/25138343/

Dozens of aging U.S. veterans, many in their early 90s and some in wheelchairs, gathered on the tiny, barren island of Iwo Jima on Saturday to mark the 70th anniversary of one of the bloodiest and most iconic battles of World War II.

Response by PO1 John Meyer, CPC made Mar 22 at 2015 11:42 AM

2015-03-22T11:42:09-04:00

I've actually been to Iwo Jima; twice. It was really cool, what little of the island I was actually able to see. I went TAD both times in support of CVW-5 for their day and night carrier quals. I was able to climb Mt. Suribachi to see where both American flags had been planted. I also went tunnel exploring. I didn't make it to the LZ because I just didn't have the time to walk all the way there from where the air strip is on the island.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Mar 22 at 2015 5:15 PM

2015-03-22T17:15:52-04:00

Absolutely a great article and thanks for sharing SGT Jim Z.! I think it is wonderful that we had a Medal of Honor recipient in attendance! And what he said was so good, I am sharing it here, below!

"The only surviving Medal of Honor recipient from Iwo Jima, Hershel "Woody" Williams, 91, attended the ceremony. Afterward, he said his feelings toward the Japanese had not changed in the decades since the battle.

"They were just doing their jobs, just like we were," he said. "We tried to kill them before they could kill us. But that's war.""

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Mar 22 at 2015 10:08 PM

2015-03-22T22:08:42-04:00

I didn't know the day that the Iwo Jima battle started. I was looking for a movie to watch, and decided to watch letter from Iwo Jima. Then received in the middle of the movie from Navy History and Heritage command that it was the 70th anniversary. I am in awe of the brave men on both sides which fought for that piece of dirt. The only thing to say is Thank You for your sacrifice.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2015 7:48 PM

2015-03-23T19:48:14-04:00

NBC NEWS piece on Iwo Jima

Veterans Remember the Battle of Iwo Jima 70 Years Later - NBC News

U.S. veterans gather on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the one the most iconic battles of World War II.

Response by PO1 Michael Phipps made Mar 25 at 2015 11:05 PM

2015-03-25T23:05:55-04:00

TY, SGT Zajc for posting this. SiriusXM Patriot host David Webb was also at the ceremony and will be hosting a special program tomorrow night on channel 125 at 9PM for his interviews and a special video will be forthcoming.

BTW, I sent David 2 photos which I will attach here of my own tribute on Saturday. Going to Cleveland's I X Center for Piston Powered Autorama, with all of the militaria along the back wall was a replica of the monument at Arlington NC's emtrance. You'll see for yourself from the pics.