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The
battle for Iwo Jima was
fought from February 19 to March 26,
1945. Massive defensive
shelling made an organized landing of US forces
impossible. Beaches were red and confused. |
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During
the 36-day battle, Iwo Jima was the most populous
7.5 square miles on earth. Over 100,000 men fought
for this island that is one-third the size of
Manhattan. |
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More US Marines earned
the Medal of Honor on Iwo Jima than in any other
battle in US History. Over the
36 day battle there were
25,851 US casualties. One in
three were killed or wounded. Of
those, 6,825 Americans
were killed. |
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Today
a small portion of Americans are again fighting to
preserve freedom for all Americans. It is inconceivable -- but true -- that some half of all
Americans fail to accept the need to fight. Some
half of Americans today fail to see that today's
enemy is more lethal than the Japanese threat could
ever have been. |
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On
the Iraqi and Afghanistan war fronts of World War III,
thousands of Americans and allies have died for the
cause of liberty. Tens-of-thousands have been
severely injured and maimed. Hundreds-of-thousands
sacrifice daily. Rational Americans and
freedom-loving people everywhere should understand the bravery of
those who fight to preserve liberty. |
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Instead,
too many Americans smugly lounge around the homeland
afraid to mature. They are locked in juvenile play
modes while trying, but failing to look and be cool.
They bicker over petty
politics and trite sporting events. They
hate their neighbors for holding contrary
opinions and expend excessive time arguing over which
inadequate politician might run to occupy the Oval
Office for his or its own satisfaction. |
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The
brave Americans who fight and those who die should
provide encouragement for a worthy statesman to step
forth and vie for the presidency -- the next leader of
the greatest nation in history, before it fails
further. Perhaps some statesman might want to
provide leadership rather than gain
self-satisfaction. |