Recognizing the 80th anniversary of the amphibious landing on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima during World War II and the raisings of the flag of the United States on Mount Suribachi.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 142
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-18: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2025-07-03T20:04:13Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H. Res. 142: Recognizing the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima
Purpose
This House Resolution aims to formally recognize and commemorate the 80th anniversary of the U.S. amphibious landing on Iwo Jima during World War II, which began on February 19, 1945, and the historic flag raisings on Mount Suribachi on February 23, 1945. It honors the bravery of U.S. servicemembers, acknowledges the battle's role in the Allied victory, and reaffirms the friendship between the United States and Japan.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes a detailed preamble outlining the historical context of the Battle of Iwo Jima, including:
- The U.S. entry into World War II after Pearl Harbor and the "island hopping" strategy to counter Japanese advances in the Pacific.
- The strategic importance of Iwo Jima's airfields for supporting B-29 bombers and preparing for a potential invasion of Japan.
- Details of the battle, such as the heavy fortifications under Japanese command, the U.S. leadership involved, the challenges faced by Marines (e.g., treacherous terrain and intense fighting), and the iconic flag raisings captured in Joe Rosenthal's Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph.
- Casualty figures (over 26,000 U.S. casualties, including 6,800 deaths; nearly all 21,000 Japanese defenders killed), the 27 Medals of Honor awarded, and the battle's life-saving impact (e.g., emergency landings for 2,400 B-29s saving 24,000 crewmen).
- The battle's contribution to Japan's surrender on September 2, 1945, and upcoming 2025 commemorative events in the U.S., Japan, and internationally.
The resolving clause directs the House of Representatives to:
- Recognize the battle's dates and the flag raisings.
- Honor U.S. Marines, sailors, soldiers, air crew, and Coast Guardsmen, as well as Japanese defenders.
- Remember fallen servicemembers and celebrate the Allied victory led by the Marines.
- Quote Admiral Chester Nimitz's words: "Uncommon valor was a common virtue."
- Reaffirm U.S.-Japan friendship.
- Encourage public programs, ceremonies, and activities to honor Iwo Jima veterans.
- Honor current U.S. servicemembers continuing this tradition.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force or effect on existing laws. It does not amend statutes, appropriate funds, or impose requirements; it serves solely as a formal expression of congressional sentiment.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, but it may encourage the Department of Defense or Veterans Affairs to support commemorative events in 2025, potentially involving coordination for ceremonies in Washington, DC, and abroad.
- On Citizens: Promotes public awareness and education about World War II history, encouraging Americans to participate in veteran-honoring activities, which could foster national pride and support for military families.
- On International Relations: Strengthens symbolic ties with Japan by acknowledging shared history and joint commemorations, potentially enhancing diplomatic goodwill without altering formal alliances or policies.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Veterans and Military Personnel: Particularly World War II Iwo Jima veterans (and their families), current Marines, sailors, soldiers, and Coast Guardsmen, who are directly honored.
- Japanese Government and Citizens: Recognized for their role in the battle and commemorations, benefiting U.S.-Japan relations.
- Congress and the Public: Bipartisan sponsors (Representatives Calvert, Carbajal, and Issa) highlight congressional involvement; the public is encouraged to engage in remembrance activities.
- Historical and Memorial Organizations: Entities like the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, may see increased attention.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None significant, as resolutions like this fall under Congress's power to express views on historical events (Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution allows for such commemorative actions). It has no enforceable provisions or challenges to rights.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan unity on military history and veterans' issues, potentially boosting morale among service members. By including Japanese defenders and reaffirming alliances, it promotes a narrative of reconciliation post-World War II, aligning with U.S. foreign policy goals in the Pacific without controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Rep. Issa, Darrell [R-CA-48], Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-18: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-02-18: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-02-18: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Recognizing the 80th anniversary of the amphibious landing on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima during World War II and the raisings of the flag of the United States on Mount Suribachi. — issued 2025-02-18 — PDF (6 pages)