Remembering the Battle of Iwo Jima by Gregory Hilton

There are currently 2.5 million American veterans of World War II still alive today, out of the 16 million who served. Around 900 of these veterans die every day. They fought the greatest armed struggle in human history, but their endeavors are fading from public memory. This month is the anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima (February 19 – March 26, 1945). While the battle was still being fought, Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz said “Among the men who fought on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue.” This is the only quote inscribed on the Marine Corps War Memorial which is dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives in the defense of the United States since 1775.
Marines have been in the forefront of every American war, and Iwo Jima was the largest all-Marine battle in history. The Marines have carried out over 300 landings on foreign shores. Their record of readiness reflects pride, responsibility and challenge. The USMC motto is “Semper Fidelis.” It is Latin for always faithful. Faithful to god, country, family and the corps.