19 Feb 2009 and 1945

64 years ago today, My Marine ancestors landed on a tiny island of black volcanic sand less than 600 miles from the mainland of Japan. it's name Iwo Jima:

Here is how it looks today:

Here is how looked 64 years ago today:

Here is My day of Glory atop Mt Suribachi: My re-enlistment 2001. The importance of the battle to Marines today is demonstrated in pilgrimages made to the island, and specifically the summit of Suribachi. Marines will often leave dog tags, rank insignia, or other tokens at the monuments as an homage. One of mine does

Here are 2 great photos of Mt Surabachi with my favorite airplane in the world in the foreground:

Here is perhaps the most recognized photo of the battle:

Thank you Joe Rosenthal, and the Marines and Sailors who made this possible by the sacrifices they made during this battle and all the other ones.

To the six in this picture: Franklin Sousley, Harlon Block, and Michael Strank did not survive the battle; the three survivors John Bradley, Rene Gagnon, and Ira Hayes. thank You and Semper Fidelis!