Travel Story «Iwo Jima Scenic Cruising»
Japan
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27 February 2008
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Last Update 27 February 2008
February 27, 2008
Iwo Jima, Japan
Total Distance Traveled 15,013.8 miles
Population 50 Military personnel
Language Japanese
Halfway between Japan and the Northern Marianas lie the hallowed grounds where many thousands of men lost their lives. The Japanese named this submerged caldera, Iwo Jima or Sulfur Island. Once a pockmarked black volcanic island wreathed in sulfurous fumes and steaming vents, today, this submerged extinct caldera shows signs of life, with a green cover of shrubbery (Dave and Diane! No laughing!) and grasses.
This location has historic significance as 100,000 men battled on this small island for 36 days during WWII. The capture of Iwo Jima has been recorded as “The Bloodiest Battle of WWII”. The struggle here ended with the decimation of the Japanese garrison. And it was here that Pulitzer Prize – winning photographer Joe Rosenthal captured the photo of Marines raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi. There are now joint Japanese-American Memorials on the beaches to honour the more than 28,000 lives that were lost here.
As we cruised by today the mood was somber. You can still see the Japanese bunkers on the beach although they are badly damaged. You can also see caves that were used for a Japanese hospital. Today the island is used for a Japanese flight training center. A spooky and sad place, you can feel the pain and grief.
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29 February 2008
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Last Update 29 February 2008
27 February 2008
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Japan
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Last Update 03 December 2010
