That the Senate—
recognizes the 80th anniversary of the amphibious landing on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima that began on February 19, 1945, and ended on March 26, 1945;
commemorates the iconic and historic raisings of the flag of the United States on Mount Suribachi that occurred on February 23, 1945;
honors the Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, Army Air Crew, and Coast Guardsmen who fought bravely on Iwo Jima, including the thousands of Japanese soldiers who tenaciously defended the island;
remembers and venerates the service members who gave their last full measure of devotion on the battlefield;
recognizes the Allied victory at the Battle of Iwo Jima, which—
was led by the United States Marine Corps; and
made the defeat of the Empire of Japan in World War II possible;
affirms the immortal words of Admiral Chester Nimitz, who stated that “uncommon valor was a common virtue” among the service members of the United States who fought on Iwo Jima;
reaffirms the bonds of friendship and shared values between the United States and Japan, whose strong and resilient alliance demonstrates the power of reconciliation between former adversaries;
encourages the people of the United States to honor the veterans of the Battle of Iwo Jima with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities;
honors the service and sacrifice of the men and women who serve the United States today, carrying on the proud tradition of the individuals who came before them; and
salutes the 250th year since the founding of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Navy.