Pete Hegseth Honors 80th Anniversary of Iwo Jima Battle in Japan, Celebrates ‘Warrior Ethos’ – One America News Network
OAN Staff Abril Elfi
1:07 PM – Saturday, March 29, 2025
During a memorial service at the site of the historic battle, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged the “shared warrior ethos” between the United States and Japan.
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This Saturday, Hegseth engaged in commemorations alongside other high-ranking officials from both nations, marking the somber 80th anniversary of the fierce battle.
“More than 80,000 Marines, soldiers, and sailors from our two countries fought at Iwo Jima, with over 26,000 lives lost. Today, we honor their bravery. We remember their valor and sacrifice,” Hegseth remarked during the ceremony.
“Iwo Jima symbolizes our shared commitment to the nation, our duty, and our mutual respect for the brave individuals who came before us,” he elaborated.
Hegseth was accompanied by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Japan’s Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, and other dignitaries at the Reunion of Honor event. Six veterans, all approximately 100 years old, were also present to honor the occasion.
The Defense Secretary emphasized that the alliance between the two nations is critically important, especially in light of the rising threat from China, and serves as the “bedrock of freedom, prosperity, security, and peace in the Indo-Pacific region.”
“The US-Japan alliance exemplifies how former adversaries have transformed into steadfast allies,” he noted.
On Sunday, Hegseth is scheduled to meet with Nakatani in Tokyo to deliberate on further enhancing the US-Japan partnership.
Prime Minister Ishiba remarked, “We must always remember that the peace and prosperity we experience today are built upon the noble sacrifices of those who perished in the war and the relentless efforts of the community over the past 80 years since the conflict’s conclusion.”
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