Home ‘Greatest Generation’: Senate resolution marks 80th anniversary of Battle of Iwo Jima
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‘Greatest Generation’: Senate resolution marks 80th anniversary of Battle of Iwo Jima

Rebecca Barnabi
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(© Leigh Prather – stock.adobe.com)

Wednesday marked the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, which began on February 19, 1945 and ended March 26, 1945.

U.S. Sens. Mark Warner of Virginia and Todd Young of Indiana introduced a resolution in early February which unanimously passed late on Wednesday night recognizing the anniversary of the battle.

“The 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima is an opportunity to reflect on the bravery and perseverance of the Greatest Generation, and is an enduring reminder about the power of courage and unity in the face of adversity. I am glad to see the Senate pass our resolution in honor of all those who fought at Iwo Jima, a group of brave servicemembers that included my late father, Marine Corporal Robert Warner,” Warner said.

Young said that Iwo Jima is a symbol of duty and sacrifice for him, Marines and many Americans.

“I’m proud this resolution that recognizes the heroic servicemembers who gave their lives at Iwo Jima, honors those who fought in the battle, and reaffirms our reconciled friendship with Japan unanimously passed the Senate,” Young said.

The resolution:

Honors the Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, Army Air Crew and Coast Guardsmen who fought bravely on Iwo Jima;
Remembers the brave servicemembers who lost their lives in the battle;
Commemorates the iconic and historic raising of the United States flag on Mount Suribachi that occurred on February 23, 1945;
Encourages Americans to honor the veterans of Iwo Jima; and
Reaffirms the bonds of friendship and shared values that have developed between the United States and Japan over the last 80 years.

The resolution was also co-sponsored by Sens. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Dan Sullivan of Arkansas, Chris Coons of Delaware, John Boozman of Arizona, Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, Ruben Gallego of Arizona, Ted Cruz of Texas, Tim Kaine of Virginia, Joni Ernst of Iowa, Angus King of Maine, Rick Scott of Florida, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Jacky Rosen of Nevada, Jack Reed of Rhode Island, Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and Elizabeth Warren of Maine.

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