Remembering Iwo Jima

71 years ago, in one week, 6821 men gave their life here. Not as much for the raising of a flag there, as much as it was for the cost of flying the flag back home. An enemy moved closer to final defeat. The victors paid a heavy price. Men died. Lives were changed forever. A page of history was indelibly written.

Let us remember those we lost that week, those many who have since joined them, and let us honor them along with the precious few who remain.

We will never forget the sacrifices. Cherish the freedom that was purchased at such a cost and can never be repaid.