Marine Barracks Annex Washington DC -- Over the past two weeks, members of the Marine Band have had the tremendous privilege of supporting events which honored those who fought at the Battle of Iwo Jima. “Every year we lose more and more of our beloved World War II veterans,” said Marine Band Assistant Director Capt. Bryan P. Sherlock. “It is only right that we pause to honor those who have gone before us and established the legacy that our Marine Corps upholds today.”
“Taps” at Battle of Iwo Jima 75th Anniversary Commemoration, World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
On Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020, a Marine Band trumpeter sounded “Taps” at the Battle of Iwo Jima 75th Anniversary Commemoration at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Iwo Jima survivor Ira Rigger and World War II veterans Harry Miller and Constantine Rizopoulos were in attendance as well as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army General Mark A. Milley. This was an “incredible war of valor,” Gen. Milley said. “They fought for something … For those of us here today on the 75th anniversary of Iwo Jima, let us resolve to never let it happen again. Thank you to our World War II veterans for granting us the gift of freedom.”
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Iwo Jima Flag Raising Tribute Concert
On Feb, 23, 1945, photographer Joseph Rosenthal captured the image of six United States Marines raising a U.S. flag atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima. To commemorate the historic 75th anniversary, a Marine Brass Ensemble performed a free concert at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Va. Read more about the concert
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Tribute with Iwo Jima Medal of Honor Recipient
On the morning of Feb. 23, 2020, Marines from the National Capital Region met with Medal of Honor recipient Chief Warrant Officer 4 Hershel “Woody” Williams who fought on Iwo Jima. A Marine Band trumpet player sounded “Taps” as CWO4 Williams paid tribute to those who died on the island, including two Marines who died defending him: Cpl. Warren H. Bornholz and Pfc. Charles G. Fischer.
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Iwo Jima Anniversary Wreath Laying Ceremony
On Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, the Marine Band supported a wreath-laying ceremony for the survivors of Iwo Jima hosted by the Commandant of the Marine Corps General David H. Berger. The ceremony was attended by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army General Mark A. Milley and dozens of Iwo Jima veterans and included remarks by Gen. Berger as well as the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Sergeant Maj. Troy E. Black.
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Iwo Jima Association of America's 75th Anniversary Reunion
On Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, the Marine Band performed at the Iwo Jima Association of America's 75th Anniversary Reunion to provide patriotic music and perform the National Anthem and Service Songs. The Drum Major, Master Gunnery Sgt. Duane King, selected patriotic music and marches to invoke patriotism in the audience, which was largely made up of Iwo Jima survivors and their families. “It is always special to be around members of the ‘Greatest Generation,’” King said. “They have set the example for all of us who have followed.”