U.S. Senate passes resolution recognizing the 80th Anniversary of Iwo Jima

On the 80^th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, the United States Senate unanimously passed a resolution recognizing the anniversary of the battle, which began on February 19, 1945, and lasted until March 26, 1945. U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) introduced the resolution earlier this month.

“For myself, every Marine, and many Americans, Iwo Jima is symbol of duty and sacrifice,” said Senator Young. “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.”

“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,” said Senator Warner. “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.”

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. 

In addition to Senators Young and Warner, Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Angus King (I-Maine), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) also cosponsored the resolution.

Full text of the resolution can be found here.