Darrell Issa: “as 2005 marks the sixtieth year since the battle of Iwo Jima, it is appropriate that the House take this opportunity to…”

“as 2005 marks the sixtieth year since the battle of Iwo Jima, it is appropriate that the House take this opportunity to recognize the sacrifice of the Marines who fought and died in that great battle. Winning the battle of Iwo Jima was among the most significant victories of the U.S. Marines during World War II. In the Pacific, Iwo Jima was the critical air base from which Japan's fighters prevented American bombers from reaching their targets in mainland Japan. Because Japanese commanders understood the strategic importance of defending the island, it was protected by more than six hundred blockhouses, pillboxes and gun positions. For the Japanese, Allied control of Iwo Jima meant allowing the enemy a base from which to attack the Japanese mainland, an outcome that they were committed to preventing at all cost. After more than six months of Allied aerial bombardment of the island, on D-Day, February 19, 1945, U.S. Marines invaded Iwo Jima, raising the first American flag on Mount Suribachi 4 days later. Despite raising the flag on February 23, the bloody fighting continued for 31 more days until the last pocket of resistance was eliminated on March 25. More than 70,000 Marines participated in the invasion of Iwo Jima. Before the battle ended 17,372 Marines were wounded and 5,931 Marines made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom in securing the Allied victory.”