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Veterans to Mark Iwo Jima Anniversary
Veterans of all military services who fought on, above, and beside
Japan’s island of Iwo Jima will commemorate the 60th anniversary
of the battle in two different locations in early 2005. The reunions
will also include family members and friends of the veterans.
The first meeting will occur February 18-20 in Washington, DC,
climaxed by commemorative ceremonies February 19 at the Marine
Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. Veterans will also
meet March 7-14 on the island of Iwo Jima itself, walking and
motoring the battlefields with surviving Japanese veterans and
their families in a mutual tribute. Young, active-duty Marines
and sailors, some of them veterans of current battles, will accompany
the group.
The 36-day battle for Iwo Jima cost the United States more than
26,000 casualties, most of whom were Marines. The Japanese lost
22,000 defenders, most of whom are still interred under the island’s
Black Sand. Three Marine Divisions made the assault, with personnel
from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard also engaging
in the action.
For further information, contact Combat Veterans of Iwo Jima
at 703-212-0695 (phone), 703-212-8567 (fax), or by email CombatVetIwo@miltours.com.
New Exhibit Highlights Conflicts, Veterans
A newly-dedicated exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National
Museum of American History in Washington, DC, pays tribute to
the more than 48 million Americans who, over the span of 228 years,
have worn the uniforms of the nation’s Armed Forces.
Entitled "The Price of Freedom: Americans at War,"
the permanent exhibit is the most comprehensive overview of the
U.S. military ever created by the Museum. The 18,000 square feet
of space features more than 850 objects, includes 16 major conflicts,
and has interactive stations featuring first-person narratives.
It displays artifacts from the 1750s to the present day.
Participating in the November 10 dedication were Secretary Principi,
Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs
of Staff General Richard B. Meyers, Secretary of the Smithsonian
Lawrence Small, Donor Kenneth Behring, and President of Women
in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation Brigadier
General Wilma L. Vaught.
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