[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 28 (Thursday, March 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E405]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING CONTRIBUTIONS OF UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS ON 60TH 
                   ANNIVERSARY OF BATTLE OF IWO JIMA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 9, 2005

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House 
Resolution 199, recognizing the contributions of the Marine Corps and 
the other branches of the United States Armed Forces on the occasion of 
the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. The 
commemoration of these branches of the military, and most importantly 
the soldiers who fought in this battle, is crucial. We must take into 
account every day the bravery and dedication that the men and women of 
the Armed Forces have shown us.
  The United States military sent more Marines into Iwo Jima--110,000--
than in any other battle in World War II. The Air Force and Navy also 
played pivotal roles in securing a victory for the United States.
  The 36-day battle that began on February 19, 1945 was an arduous 
campaign for the United States, largely due to the underground bunkers 
the Japanese had built. These subterranean caves allowed the Japanese 
to see the Marines, but the U.S. soldiers had no visual on the 
Japanese. After days of battle and U.S. casualties totaling over 
25,000, our troops finally took control of Mount Suribachi, securing 
victory for the United States of America and the Allied Forces.
  The image of soldiers like Mike Strank, Harlon Block, and Franklin 
Sousley raising our flag in glory, as portrayed by the Iwo Jima 
Memorial, reminds us of the perseverance and devotion to country 
exemplified by the Armed Forces. Because of these acts of bravery and 
dedication, we stand here free today.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish to conclude by again reiterating my support for 
the recognition of the Marine Corps and other branches of the Armed 
Forces on the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. The 
characteristics of strength, devotion, and honor ring strong in our 
hearts today and always, as we recall all those who fell in one of the 
most important battles in U.S. history.

                          ____________________