Bipartisan resolution commemorates the sacrifice of Iwo Jima veterans, including Arizona’s own Ira Hayes and Ollie Babbitts
WASHINGTON – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined a bipartisan group of senators in introducing a resolution recognizing the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, which began on February 19, 1945 and lasted until March 26, 1945.
The Battle of Iwo Jima was one of the most pivotal battles of World War II. After weeks of intense fighting that was some of the bloodiest of the Pacific War, American forces defeated the Imperial Japanese Army. Ira Hayes, a member of Arizona’s Gila River Indian Community, fought in the battle and was one of the six Marines that raised the American flag in victory atop Mount Suribachi, which later became an iconic photo. Last year, the Gila River Indian Community came together for the 79th Anniversary Iwo Jima Flag Raising Parade, and Senator Gallego spoke about the importance of honoring Ira Hayes’s sacrifice. Longtime Chandler resident, Ollie Babbitts also fought in the battle; he passed away in 2023 at age 99.
“For Marines like myself, Iwo Jima represents heroic sacrifice and bravery. This resolution honors their legacy and reaffirms our commitment to the values they fought to defend,” said Senator Gallego.
“Ira Hayes represents the proud history of service by members of the Gila River Indian Community,” said Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Roe Lewis. “We are grateful to Senator Gallego for advancing this resolution and for his tireless advocacy for Native Veterans. The entire Community honors Ira Hayes today and all of our Community members who served at Iwo Jima.”
The Senators’ resolution honors the bravery and sacrifice of the Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, Army Air Crew, and Coast Guardsmen who fought in the battle and reaffirms the strong alliance between the United States and Japan in the decades since.
More specifically, the resolution:
- Honors the Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, Army Air Crew, and Coast Guardsmen who fought bravely on Iwo Jima;
- Remembers the brave servicemembers who lost their lives in the battle;
- Commemorates the iconic and historic raising of the United States flag on Mount Suribachi that occurred on February 23, 1945;
- Encourages Americans to honor the veterans of Iwo Jima; and
- Reaffirms the bonds of friendship and shared values that have developed between the United States and Japan over the last 80 years.
Then-Rep. Gallego was an original cosponsor of the House version of the 75th anniversary in the 116th Congress.
Read the full resolution HERE.