A resolution 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
- S.Res. 53
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-19: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1037; text: 2/4/2025 CR S597-598)
- Last Updated
- 2025-03-24T19:54:47Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 53) commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II, specifically recognizing the U.S. amphibious landing on February 19, 1945, and the historic flag raisings on Mount Suribachi on February 23, 1945. It honors the bravery of U.S. service members, acknowledges the battle's strategic importance, and reaffirms the U.S.-Japan alliance.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes a detailed preamble outlining the historical context of the battle, 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 value of Iwo Jima's airfields for supporting B-29 bombers and preparing for a potential invasion of Japan.
- Details of the battle's challenges, such as heavy fortifications, treacherous terrain, and intense fighting, leading to over 26,000 U.S. casualties (including 6,800 deaths).
- The iconic flag raisings, captured in Joe Rosenthal's Pulitzer Prize-winning photo, symbolizing determination and immortalized in the Marine Corps War Memorial.
- The battle's outcomes, including 27 Medals of Honor awarded, emergency landings for 2,251 B-29 bombers saving thousands of lives, and its role in Japan's eventual surrender.
The operative section (Resolved) directs the Senate to:
- Recognize the battle's dates and the flag raisings.
- Honor U.S. Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, Army Air Crew, Coast Guardsmen, and Japanese defenders.
- Remember fallen service members and affirm Admiral Chester Nimitz's quote: "Uncommon valor was a common virtue."
- Acknowledge the U.S. Marine Corps-led victory's contribution to defeating Japan.
- Reaffirm U.S.-Japan friendship and shared values as former adversaries turned allies.
- Encourage public programs, ceremonies, and activities to honor Iwo Jima veterans.
- Salute the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy, and the ongoing service of today's military.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a non-binding resolution expressing the Senate's sense and commemorative intent, with no legal force or amendments to statutes.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: May inspire Department of Defense or Veterans Affairs-led events, but no mandatory actions; promotes voluntary commemorations in Washington, DC, and internationally.
- On citizens: Encourages public education and remembrance of WWII history, potentially increasing participation in veteran honoring activities and fostering national pride in military heritage.
- On international relations: Strengthens U.S.-Japan ties by highlighting reconciliation and alliance resilience, especially amid joint commemorative events on Iwo Jima organized by both nations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. military veterans and active personnel: Particularly Marine Corps and Navy members, honored for their service and sacrifice.
- Families of WWII veterans: Benefiting from renewed recognition of their loved ones' contributions.
- U.S. and Japanese governments: Involved in bilateral commemorations, reinforcing diplomatic bonds.
- General public and historians: Through encouraged educational programs and events preserving WWII legacy.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: No implications, as it is a simple resolution (not requiring House approval or presidential signature) and purely symbolic under Article I of the U.S. Constitution, which allows Congress to express sentiments on historical matters.
- Political: Demonstrates strong bipartisan support (introduced by 38 senators from both parties), underscoring unity on military history and alliances; politically reinforces U.S. commitment to Pacific security without controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (38)
Sen. Warner, Mark R. [D-VA], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR], Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV], Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ], Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC], Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV], Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN], Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA], Sen. Schmitt, Eric [R-MO], Sen. Fischer, Deb [R-NE], Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV], Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA], Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND], Sen. Tuberville, Tommy [R-AL], Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT], Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC], Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS], Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS], Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE], Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ], Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-19: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1037; text: 2/4/2025 CR S597-598)
- 2025-02-19: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-02-19: Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-02-19: Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-02-04: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 2025-02-04: Introduced in Senate
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 2025-02-19 — PDF (7 pages)
- 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 2025-02-04 — PDF (6 pages)