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Iwo Jima Day

On Iwo Jima Day, we honor the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans who fought on this historic battleground. Let's never forget their courage.
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When it is?
February 19
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Country
United States
Introduction

On February 19, we honor and remember the brave soldiers who fought in one of the most iconic battles of World War II on Iwo Jima Day. This day marks the anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945, where American and Japanese forces clashed for control over a strategically important island in the Pacific Ocean. The battle lasted for over a month and resulted in a significant victory for the United States. Today, we pay tribute to those who served and sacrificed on this historic day, while also celebrating their bravery and heroism. Let's take a moment to reflect on this important event in history and show our gratitude towards those who fought for our freedom.

History of Iwo Jima Day

Iwo Jima Day Dates

Iwo Jima Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1945</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Battle of Iwo Jima Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>On February 19, 1945, U.S. Marines landed on the island of Iwo Jima, marking the beginning of a ferocious and strategic battle during World War II.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1945</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Iconic Flag Raising</div><div class='timeline-text'>On February 23, 1945, six U.S. Marines famously raised a large U.S. flag atop Mount Suribachi, becoming an enduring symbol of sacrifice and bravery.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1945</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>End of Battle of Iwo Jima</div><div class='timeline-text'>One of the bloodiest battles fought by U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, the Battle of Iwo Jima ended on March 26, 1945.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1945</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>U.S. Occupies Iwo Jima</div><div class='timeline-text'>Following the victory, the United States occupied Iwo Jima until 1968, using it mainly as a refueling and emergency landing site.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1985</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Iwo Jima Day Establishment</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Commonwealth of Massachusetts declared February 19th to be Iwo Jima Day, in honor of those who fought in the historic battle.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present Day</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Annual Commemoration of Iwo Jima Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Every year, veterans, family members, and supporters commemorate Iwo Jima Day, honoring the bravery and sacrifices of all involved.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate Iwo Jima Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a military history museum</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>On Iwo Jima Day, take the time to learn more about the historic battle by visiting a military history museum. You can see artifacts and exhibits that showcase the events of that day and honor the brave soldiers who fought.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a documentary or movie about Iwo Jima</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>There are many documentaries and movies that depict the events of Iwo Jima Day. Take some time to watch one and gain a deeper understanding of the significance of this day in history.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a ceremony or memorial service</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family to honor Iwo Jima Day with a ceremony or memorial service. This can be a meaningful way to pay tribute to the brave soldiers who fought and reflect on the impact of this historic battle.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read about Iwo Jima Day</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to read about the events of Iwo Jima Day in books or online articles. This will help you gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for this important day in history.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Thank a veteran</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your gratitude and support for those who have served by thanking a veteran on Iwo Jima Day. Their courage and sacrifice should never be forgotten.</p></div></div>

Why Iwo Jima Day is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors the bravery and sacrifice of veterans</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Iwo Jima Day commemorates the iconic flag-raising on Mount Suribachi during WWII. This day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers who fought for our country's freedom, and it is an opportunity to honor and thank all veterans for their service.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It educates future generations about our history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>As time goes by, it is important to remember and educate future generations about significant events in our history. Iwo Jima Day gives us the opportunity to reflect on the past, learn from it, and ensure that these stories are not forgotten.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes unity and patriotism</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Celebrating Iwo Jima Day brings people together in remembrance of a common cause. It reminds us of the strong sense of patriotism that unites us as a nation, and serves as a reminder to always be grateful for our freedom and to never take it for granted.</p></div></div>

5 Facts About the Significance of Iwo Jima

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Battle of Iwo Jima was one of the bloodiest in the Pacific during World War II</h3><p class='facts-content'>The 36-day assault resulted in more than 26,000 American casualties, including 6,800 dead.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Iwo Jima symbolizes one of the iconic images of World War II</h3><p class='facts-content'>The photograph of six Marines raising the U.S. flag on the island's Mount Suribachi became a potent symbol of the war effort and courage under fire.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Iwo Jima's strategic location provided a critical advantage</h3><p class='facts-content'>Iwo Jima, located halfway between Japan and the Mariana Islands, offered a vital airfield for bombing operations and a haven for damaged Allied aircraft returning from missions over Japan.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>All four Servicemen awarded with Medals of Honor for action at Iwo Jima were Marines</h3><p class='facts-content'>Twenty-seven Medals of Honor were awarded to Marines and sailors, many posthumously, more than were awarded for any battle in U.S. history.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Iwo Jima was the only U.S. Marine battle where American casualties outnumbered Japanese</h3><p class='facts-content'>Given the ferocity of the battle and the heavy fortifications, there were more American Marines casualties than Japanese military personnel during the Battle of Iwo Jima.</p></div></div>

Iwo Jima Day FAQs

When is Iwo Jima Day?

Iwo Jima Day is celebrated on February 19 every year. In 2024 Iwo Jima Day will occur on a Monday.

Iwo Jima Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Feb 19

Sunday

2024

Feb 19

Monday

2025

Feb 19

Wednesday

2026

Feb 19

Thursday

2027

Feb 19

Friday

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