U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA) on Feb. 13 sponsored a bipartisan, bicameral resolution commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, which started on Feb. 19, 1945 when U.S. military forces landed on and eventually captured the island from the Japanese Army during World War II.
“In recognition of this historic event,” said Rep. Calvert, “I’m honored to join my colleagues in the House as well as in the Senate to introduce a resolution honoring the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima.”
Rep. Calvert introduced House Resolution (H.Res.) 857 with seven cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Paul Cook (R-CA) and Pete Visclosky (D-IN).
The companion Senate Resolution 502 also was introduced on Feb. 13 by 29 senators, including U.S. Sens. Todd Young (R-IN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Martha McSally (R-AZ), Richard Burr (R-NC), Cory Gardner (R-CO), and Mark Warner (D-VA).
U.S. military leaders on Feb. 19, 1945 launched an assault on Iwo Jima that culminated with the engagement of approximately 70,000 Marines and thousands of U.S. Navy and U.S. Army support forces.
“With the forward trajectory of liberty and freedom in doubt, American soldiers and Marines fought valiantly and selflessly to gain control of a critical island that would pave the path towards victory in the Pacific for our Allied Forces,” said Rep. Calvert.
While the battle for Iwo Jima lasted a total of 36 days, the Marines on Feb. 23, 1945 ascended the highest point on the island, Mount Suribachi, and raised the American flag.
“Seventy-five years later, the image of Marines raising the U.S. flag on Mount Suribachi remains one of the most powerful symbols of triumph by American servicemembers,” said Rep. Calvert. “The 75th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima is an opportunity to once again remember the extraordinary amount of American blood and treasure sacrificed to secure a history-shaping outcome.”
Overall, U.S. forces suffered 6,821 killed and 19,217 wounded, according to information provided by the congressman’s office, with the majority of the more than 21,000 estimated Japanese soldiers also killed in the battle.