America 250: Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima

On February 19, 2026, the Nation commemorates the 81st anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, a pivotal conflict in the Pacific Theater during World War II. On February 19, 1945, U.S. Marines stormed the heavily fortified island, 750 miles from Tokyo, aiming to secure a vital foothold for Allied operations against imperial Japan. For five weeks, Marines faced intense resistance from Japanese defenders hidden in bunkers and tunnels, fighting through constant shelling and fierce infantry charges, supported by naval firepower.The battle was marked by extraordinary acts of courage, notably by Corporal Hershel "Woody" Williams, who earned the Medal of Honor for single-handedly clearing enemy positions with a flamethrower for over four hours. In total, 27 Medals of Honor were awarded for actions at Iwo Jima, the most of any single battle in World War II.After 36 days, Japanese resistance ended, making Iwo Jima one of the most consequential and hard-fought battles in American history. The iconic image of the Stars and Stripes being raised atop Mount Suribachi became a symbol of American resolve, sacrifice, and victory. Nearly 7,000 of the 70,000 servicemen who fought at Iwo Jima gave their lives. As the Nation commemorates this battle and celebrates 250 years of American independence, it renews its commitment to honor the sacrifices of the Greatest Generation by defending the liberties they secured.