MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Hundreds gathered to honor and remember the Marines who lost their lives during World War II on the shores of Iwo Jima 66 years ago.
The Sunset Ceremony at Camp Pendleton’s South Mesa Club, Feb. 20, paid tribute to nearly 7,000 Marines that sacrificed their lives during one of the Corps’ toughest battles ever. More Marines died during that battle than any other battle in Marine Corps history, according to Headquarters Marine Corps’ Historical Branch.
“I can’t believe it was so long ago that we landed on that island,” said Doug Barnett, a former Sergeant and Iwo Jima veteran who was part of the first attack wave. “There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t stop and give thanks to those who gave their life and let me fight by their side.”
American forces overwhelmed more than 22,000 heavily armed entrenched Japanese soldiers. The victory devastated opposing morale and was a crucial turning point in World War II.
The seizure of Iwo Jima eliminated a strong defense near Japan’s mainland, and gave the United States a much needed resupply point in the advance toward the island.
“During the battle every Marine to the left and to the right had a look of determination in their face,” said Bill Behana, a former Master Sergeant and Iwo Jima veteran. “We all knew that no matter what happened we were not going to give up until we had captured that island and raised our flag.”
With nearly 27,000 totaling wounded and dead, the battle remains one of the fiercest fought in history. The World War II-skirmish is popularly remembered for the photograph taken above Mount Suribachi in 1945 when five Marines and one Navy corpsman raised the American flag after capturing the island.
The three-hour ceremony was filled with the stories of survivors, honored with a 3-volley and followed by an elaborate reception, dinner and dance.
Camp Pendleton’s base leaders; Major General Anthony L. Jackson, commanding general, Marine Corps Installations West; Col. Nicholas F. Marano, commanding officer, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton; and Major General Melvin G. Spiese, deputy commanding general, I Marine Expeditionary Force; were also present at the event to help commemorate those who fought valiantly in the face of a fierce and determined enemy.
“As time goes by we will never forget those who have given their lives so that we may have a better future,” said Barnett. “There is no doubt in my mind that they are looking down on us now and are proud of what we are doing to remember them.”