Sands of Iwo Jima

So... Kristen showed me how to add new posts on our blog. Hope you enjoy.

About a month ago I had the opportunity to take a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Iwo Jima with about 50-60 other officers from the hospital. We boarded a C-130 and took off for the 3 hour trip to the small island that took so many American and Japanese lives over 60 years ago. I don't think I quite realized where I was or what I was reliving while I was there. After landing, we walked down the hill from the airport, past rusted machine guns surrounded by large cement pillboxes, and took the long walk to the base of Mt. Suribachi. Along the way our guide, a Marine Gunnery Sargeant, pointed out some of the tunnels that the Japanese fought from and read us the history of some of the medal of honor recipients who fought in the month-long battle for the island. When we reached the foot of the mountain, we stopped for a rest before heading up the road to the top. As we huffed and puffed our way, I couldn't help but admire the courage and determination of the young men who fought on this terrain...and won. It was a real honor to be able to stand at the top of the mountain and raise a flag, knowing how much the cost had been. Almost 7,000 Americans died during the bloody battle, young men who knew the cost of pursuing a cause greater than themselves. Their love and loyalty for each other and their country represent the best in humanity. It's an honor to serve a nation that produces young men like these.

Our Transportation


One of the entrances to the underground tunnels.


In front of a Japanese Bunker/Pillbox


At the base of Mt. Suribachi


At the site of the flag raising.


Invasion Beach, the site where the Marines landed


On Invasion Beach, with Mt. Suribachi in the background


The same beach more than 60 years ago.