The U.S. Department of Defense marked the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima.
They highlighted the valor and sacrifice of American and Japanese forces, while emphasizing the transformation from wartime adversaries to close allies in a ceremony underscoring the importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance for regional security.
Commemorating Valor and Sacrifice
The 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima was commemorated by the U.S. Department of Defense, honoring both American and Japanese forces for their bravery.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized how former enemies have become steadfast allies, showcasing a remarkable transformation over decades.
General Eric Smith, Commandant of the Marine Corps, echoed this sentiment by highlighting that today’s gathering is one of friendship rather than conflict.
The event served as a poignant reminder of shared history and mutual respect between two nations once at war.
Strengthening Alliances Amid Regional Challenges
The commemoration took place against a backdrop of rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to mutual defense and cooperation, particularly in light of challenges posed by China’s growing influence in the area.
Pete Hegseth noted that the U.S.-Japan alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and security in this strategically vital region.
This partnership not only enhances regional stability but also acts as a deterrent against potential aggressors.
Strategic Developments
- The U.S.-Japan alliance continues to evolve as a critical component for regional security.
- Both nations are committed to countering regional threats through strengthened cooperation.
- This partnership supports economic prosperity through trade and investment opportunities.
Diplomatic Relations: A Historical Perspective
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Our Alliance has been — and remains — the cornerstone of freedom, prosperity, security, and peace in the Indo-Pacific,
stated Secretary Pete Hegseth during his remarks at the ceremony.
The Speech by Secretary Hegseth
What a beautiful morning.
To Prime Minister Ishiba, Defense Minister Nakatani, Ministers, Diet Members and Members of Congress, Japanese and U.S. military leaders, and most importantly, those who fought here and their descendants.
It is an absolute honor and a privilege to be here with you today, I am humbled to pilgrim, there is no other way to put it, to this hallowed ground.
Over 80,000 Marines, soldiers, and sailors from our two countries fought at Iwo Jima. More than 26,000 died here.
Today, we revere their courage. Today, we remember their valor and sacrifice.
Those who fought here, they had faith and belief. Faith and belief in the idea that what they were fighting for, and defending was right. Belief and Faith in their country. Faith and belief in their comrades.
And today, in their everlasting memory, we recommit ourselves to faith and belief in our Alliance — and to peace.
You see, Iwo Jima embodies our shared warrior ethos; our shared devotion to nation and to duty; and our shared reverence for the men of valor who preceded us.
Because of its strategic location, between the Marianas Islands and the Home Islands, Iwo Jima was destined for battle.
Anticipating this fight, the Japanese commander, General Kuribayashi, led his soldiers and sailors with stoicism, determination, and bravery.
He knew his troops. He understood his opponent. Also, he recognized how to use this island’s terrain to his advantage.
For eight long months Japanese forces tirelessly prepared defenses across, and below this landscape.
Love for their families and loyalty to their country motivated and sustained them as they built countless fighting and artillery positions, dug miles of tunnels, 11 miles, and endured spartan conditions.
Before the battle, General Kuribayashi told his soldiers: “We shall defend this place with all our strength to the end.” They did just that. When battle came, they fought fiercely against a larger foe.
For far longer than anyone expected. Like their battlefield opponents, American Marines and sailors…they expected a tough fight. But none could predict just how tough it would be. During 36 days of pitched battle, our Marines fought yard by yard, often hand-by-hand.
They prevailed. They prevailed because each Marine did his duty. Each Marine gave his all. Each Marine refused to give up. Warriors each and every one of them. Twenty-two of them earned the Medal of Honor, our highest award for valor in our country.
One was Private First Class Doug Jacobson. In an hour-long fight on Hill 382 he single-handedly knocked out 16 Japanese positions.
Risking it all, he used rifles, grenades, even a bazooka — anything he could find — to protect his fellow Marines. His actions, they opened up a gap in the hill’s defenses for the Marines to push through.
Years later he said, and I quote, “I don’t know how I did it…. You charge ahead and you do what you have to do.” You know, I heard much the same from my men in other far flung places.
He like so many was a common American with uncommon courage. He served another 20 years and fought in Korea and Vietnam. Looking back, he recalled, “nothing ever matched the ferocity of Iwo.”
Marines like Private Jacobson didn’t face this ferocious fight alone. Victory at Iwo Jima was a full spectrum effort. Soldiers arrived as reinforcement.
Navy corpsmen cared for fallen Marines amidst the fighting. Four of them, four of those corpsmen also earned the Medal of Honor.
Navy Seabees repaired the island’s vital airfields. Only 13 days into the fight, with fierce battles raging, the first damaged B-29 landed here instead of ditching in the ocean.
By war’s end over 2,200 bombers had made emergency landings right here where we all arrived this morning.
As the battle for Iwo Jima nearing its end General Kuribayashi assured his men: “The glorious exploits that you have carried out will never be forgotten.”
We are here today because we have not forgotten. We have not forgotten the honor and the valor of our Japanese and American warriors.
And we reaffirm, reaffirm the General’s pledge. Our Marines, our soldiers, our sailors, from both Japan and the United States — their service and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Though nearly all, not all, but nearly all who so bravely fought here are gone, their hallowed memory lives on. And we are so grateful that some are still with us here today.
Their memory lives on here along the black sand beaches, here atop Mount Suribachi, and here in the tunnels and caves across this island. Their memory also lives on in the bond between our people and our countries.
Forty years ago, at the very first Reunion of Honor, a defender of Mount Suribachi, Komatsu Yoshio, he met Wayne Bellamy, a Marine veteran of Iwo Jima. Bellamy remarked, “I was one of the first troops that landed at the base of Suribachi.” To which Komatsu replied with a smile, “Yesterday’s enemy, today’s friend.”
The U.S.-Japan Alliance shows those brave men of 1945 how yesterday’s enemy has become today’s friend. Our Alliance has been, and remains the cornerstone of freedom, prosperity, security, and peace in the Indo-Pacific. And it will continue.
As we remember the many who gave their lives here for the peace we now enjoy, let us recommit ourselves to our friendship and to our Alliance.
Our unity and our shared purpose is what strengthens us. They strengthen us as together we strive to provide a peaceful future for our children and for our grandchildren.
Simply put, I am grateful to be with this incredible group of men and allies here today. Humbled to be in the presence of such heroes. Humbled to think, I have a 14-year-old son, my oldest son.
That in just four years, he could have been one of those men asked to do such a thing. And I ask myself, could he? Would he? Do we raise such men? And together, may we commit ourselves to raising such men. That at a tender young age, we’ll stand up and choose to fight. Choose to fight for freedom.
We are all proud to bear brief witness to the bravery, courage, and sacrifice that occurred on this battlefield. Heroes were forged here. Their memory reminds us of the horrors and the costs of war. Their brave example inspires us and steels our resolve.
If they could serve so selflessly, so can we. Sweat running down my forehead, imagine how it felt there, those days, on this island 80 years ago. If they could summon the courage to face a fearsome foe, so can we. If they could so completely dedicate themselves to their countries, to their families, and to each other, so can we.
We are fortunate to stand here together, shoulder to shoulder as friends and as Allies, living their legacy of honor. May almighty God bless our allies. And may almighty God, and the grace and mercies of our savior Jesus Christ always surround our American warriors.
Thank you and God bless.
Additional Reading
Final Thoughts
The commemoration not only honored past sacrifices but also reinforced current alliances crucial for maintaining peace in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
Additionally, as both nations look forward to continued collaboration, their shared history serves as a powerful testament to reconciliation’s role in fostering enduring partnerships.
Sources: The Washington Times, and U.S. Department of Defense.
Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization dedicated to providing insightful analysis on current events, prepared this article.
