March 10th was a very memorable day for both of us. Today, we sailed very close to Iwo Jima, the site of one of the most horrendous battles of World War II. On this small island, the U.S. Marine Corps landed to retake an island that the Japanese had taken in their quest over many of the Pacific islands. After a month of fighting with really no front lines; no rear lines; and virtually every inch a continuous battle ground, the Marines were successful at retaking the island at a very heavy cost. Of the 22,060 Japanese on island, some 21,844 were killed. The U.S. Marines lost 6,800 during this battle.
(CLICK ON THIS PHOTO TO ENLARGE)
This is a composite photo take by us that shows many LSTs (landing ships) which were loaded with Marines but destroyed by artillery fire as they hit the beach.
Here is a photo of us with Mount Suribachi where the U.S. Marines raised the American flag during the battle. However, the battle continued for an extended time after taking this extinct volcano.
After viewing the island from several sides and holding a memorial service on board our ship where veterans laid a wreath overboard in memory of all fallen veterans, the Pacific Princess departing heading for Tokyo.
