WWII 60th Anniversary

Update: If you can't make it to Tampa, visit Jackson's Junction.

Update 2 More Iwo links here

The Washington Times remembers.

For those who remember and revere World War II, 60 is the magic number.

Six decades have gone by since the raising of the American flag over Iwo Jima, the war's end in Europe and the Pacific, and other pivotal military events of 1945.

Beginning this week, the Department of Defense will honor all of them in a six-month-long salute that includes patriotic fanfare and heartfelt remembrances in a half-dozen cities. There will be swing music, vintage uniforms and the close harmonies of Andrews Sisters impersonators.

<...>

Through the end of August, the committee will stage large-scale events in Tampa, Fla., San Antonio, San Diego, Boston, Chicago and Vancouver, Wash.

"We're bringing these commemorations to the veterans, particularly those who may not have the funds or the health to journey elsewhere," said Cmdr. Dunphy. "These cities have the highest concentrations of veterans in the country."

And if you're in the Tampa area looking for something to do...

Meanwhile, Tampa hosts the first of the Defense Department's urban commemorative events Saturday, set to recall that moment at 2 a.m. on Feb. 19, 1945, when Navy guns opened up the island of Iwo Jima, which eventually provided a vital link in the U.S. chain of bomber bases.

Under heavy Japanese fire, 100,000 Marines struggled through the volcanic ash of the tiny island about 650 miles southeast of Tokyo. The conflict that ensued resulted in 26,000 casualties and almost 6,800 deaths.

The American flag was raised by members of "Easy Company" upon 550-foot Mount Suribachi over Iwo Jima four days layer. A photograph that captured the moment has since inspired millions and become the most reproduced photo of all time, said James Bradley, author of the 2000 best seller "Flags of Our Fathers."

Mr. Bradley's father was one of the six Marines of the 28th Regiment, 5th Division, who raised the flag.

"History turned all its focus, for 1/400th of a second, on them. It froze them in an elegant instant of battle: froze them in a camera lens as they hoisted an American flag on a makeshift pole," he wrote.

The Tampa event will include Iwo Jima veterans, members of all military services and the Merchant Marines, the U.S. Navy Band and a host of political and press dignitaries.

"It's clear we're remembering not just the people, but the ideas and lessons learned that help assure freedom continues to flourish around the world — much as the soldiers of today are doing in the Middle East," said retired Army Lt. Gen. Ed Soyster, executive director of the World War II 60th Anniversary Committee.

Maybe Berlin will have an event I can attend this year...