SRES53-119

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.