The guide for this trip asked the Marines to rush this dune to get an idea of what the Marines
who took Iwo Jima faced. Every step you take up, you slide down and into the dune. You
have to work hard to get to the top. Imagine doing it with 100 lbs on your back while being
shot at and artillery raining down on you. texag57

Beach on Iwo 

This monument was erected on the spot where Franklin Sousley, Harlon Block, Michael
Strank, John Bradley, Rene Gagnon, and Ira Hayes raised the American flag 4 days into the
battle for Iwo Jima . Iwo Jima is like Mecca for the Marines. Visiting Marines leave personal
mementos behind during their 'pilgrimages'.

The Eagle, Globe and Anchors on the left and right side of the monument are completely
covered in dog tags left by visiting Marines and service men to honor the 6,131 killed. texag57



Flag Location on Suribachi

Futatsune Beach, today known by visiting Marines as Invasion Beach, is where on
19 February 1945, the Marines landed on D-Day of the invasion of Iwo Jima. This picture
was taken from near the top of Mt. Suribachi. Forward Observer's dream! texag57
