[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 34 (Thursday, February 23, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2989-S2990]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FLAG RAISING AT IWO JIMA
  Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, last week, a somber time passed on this 
floor when some of our colleagues remembered the momentous battle of 
Iwo Jima in the Second World War. As Senator Bumpers so eloquently 
reminded us, nearly 6,000 of our marines were lost forever in that 
battle waged 50 years ago this week and were never to know the world 
they helped save from tyranny in that most dreadful struggle.
  There are many others who remember Iwo Jima, Mr. President, and each 
has his own story. One of my constituents, Herb Rhodes of Anchorage, 
AK, was at Iwo in February 1945. As a member of the 5th U.S. Marine 
Division dispatched to Red Beach II, Herb was severely wounded in the 
initial attack on February 19, 1945. There were a total of 6,821 
American lives lost in those first 4 days following the landing on the 
beach at Iwo Jima, making this battle one of the costliest of the war.
  In a compilation of photos, stories, and historical information 
gathered by Lyn Crowley, an engineering officer with the 5th Marine 
Division, Herb and his former comrades in arms recount the events of 
that now famous day, 50 years ago, when a 40-man platoon made its way 
to the top of Mount Suribachi. Of these 40 men, 36 were wounded or 
killed in subsequent fighting on Iwo Jima. This compilation, titled 
``The Flags of Iwo Jima,'' recounts the first U.S. flag on Suribachi--
the one it is said that ``nobody remembers.''
  This is so because the first flag was very small and could not be 
seen down the mountain or across the island. The 5th Marine commander 
then ordered a larger flag be raised as a sign of encouragement to our 
troops, who were still in the throes of a great battle.
  This second raising of Old Glory was captured for all time by combat 
photographer Joe Rosenthal. His photograph on Mount Suribachi became 
the model for the Marine Memorial that we all know so well. The 
photograph itself--of the second flag raising, not the first--is said 
to be the most famous photograph of wartime history
  I promised Herb that I would speak here in order to remind us of the 
acts of all brave marines, the sacrifice and loss suffered by the 
Nation, and indeed, I speak to honor my friend Herb Rhodes and his 
marine brothers who climbed Suribachi in February 1945 and were the 
first to raise the flag. With humility and gratitude, I know that we 
live better lives because many of them gave their lives for us. My 
feelings are shared by many in Congress, and throughout our Nation and 
the world.
  I know that Herb Rhodes will agree that the marines who fought on Iwo 
Jima gave their all to earn victory. This is as true for the marines 
who were the first to reach the top of Mount Suribachi as it is for 
those captured in Joe Rosenthal's photograph. Indeed, glory and honor 
are due to all those who sacrificed their lives or who put themselves 
in harm's way on Iwo Jima. While some of our warriors were captured on 
film, and some are immortalized in bronze in Arlington Cemetery, these 
serve to symbolize the heroism of all who fought to save liberty. Herb 
Rhodes and his soldier brothers deserve our everlasting gratitude on 
[[Page S2990]] this historic day, and as long as our freedom endures.
  On this 50th anniversary of the battle on Iwo Jima, we remember flags 
raised by marines all over the world. And we remember flags draped over 
marines, airmen, sailors, and soldiers, in honored glory, from Iwo Jima 
to Omaha Beach to Da Nang. Today and every day, we remember all our 
brave heroes.
  Do I have any remaining time, Mr. President?
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Alaska has 1 
minute and 40 seconds.
  Mr. MURKOWSKI. I see my friend from Colorado is in the Chamber. The 
Senator from Texas had asked me to yield if I had any remaining time, 
but I do not see the Senator from Texas, so I obviously will yield to 
my good friend from Colorado.
  I thank the Chair.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Under the previous order, the 
Senator from Colorado [Mr. Campbell], is recognized for up to 10 
minutes.

                          ____________________