Maj. Gen. Lozano helps commemorate Iwo Jima

The Marine Corps League Unicoi Detachment 783 Towns & Union County presented the ceremony at the Towns County Recreation and Conference Center, a perfect location, as the incredible Iwo Jima Memorial guards the entrance.

MCL 783 Commandant Alton “Doc” Coleman opened by welcoming all the veteran service organizations, first responders, law enforcement and local dignitaries, with special recognition for Towns County resident and Battle of Iwo Jima Veteran Bud Johnson, who passed away at age 98 on New Year’s Day 2021.

“On the afternoon of Feb. 23, 1945, Chief Petty Officer Clarence ‘Bud’ Johnson was standing on the bridge of the USS Silverstein when he witnessed the United States Flag being raised atop Mount Suribachi,” Coleman said.

“Immediately, Marines on the beach and the ships from the Navy’s 5th Fleet began blowing their horns and whistles repeatedly in celebration. This moment stayed with Johnson the rest of his life.

“Fast forward to 2015, former Sole Commissioner Bill Kendall, with invaluable input from Johnson, commissioned the monument here, which (area artist) Al Garnto credits as the most significant monument of his artistic career.

“It is significant because today there are only about four Iwo Jima veterans remaining. One day, there will be none. When that day comes, we will still speak their names and tell their stories. We will help our youth understand their sacrifices because, as all know, freedom is not free.

“Let our memorial here in Young Harris remind us that when things are at their worst, we can be at our best. Oorah.”

MCL 783 Junior Past Commandant Ashford Todd conducted the bell ceremony, declaring that “this solemn day, with its sad, sacred memories, has come once again.”

“We have dedicated this day to our departed Marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen,” Todd said. “It gives us an appropriate occasion to dedicate ourselves to the preservation of the fruits of their victories and the sacred heritage that was purchased by their valor and sealed with their blood.

“We ring the Bell of Honor in remembrance of U.S. Navy Chief Clarence Johnson. It is right that those who sacrifice and die should be remembered and honored for the invaluable service that they rendered to their country and to humanity.

“Our impulse to set aside this day in remembrance of our departed Marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen sprang from the fact that the six-week Battle of Iwo Jima saw over 26,000 casualties and resulted in 83 Medals of Honor being awarded.

“We cannot forget. We ring the Bell of Honor once for those who died fighting for our country on that tiny island 80 years ago.”

Keynote speaker Maj. Gen. Lozano is currently stationed at the Redstone Arsenal in Alabama as Executive Officer of Missiles and Space.

Missiles and Space is described as “on the cutting edge of the Army’s long-range precision fires, air and missile defense, hypersonic, directed energy, counter-unmanned aerial systems, integrated fires mission command, and aviation and ground missiles modernization initiatives.”

Lozano opened by touching on the dual nature of the occasion as marking both the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima’s start on Feb. 19, 1945, and also President’s Day.

“Your presence here today perfectly captures the pride, honor and the respect we all share for each other as Americans and that which we share for our veterans,” Lozano said. “Today we celebrate the legacy of leadership that has guided our nation through triumph and adversity.

“In the spirit of President’s Day, let us come together as one nation, indivisible, and strive to build a future that honors the dreams of our founders. It’s a day to honor the profound legacy of those who have held the highest office in the land. It is a day to honor their vision, leadership and the values that have guided our democracy since its inception.

“President’s Day has its roots in the birth of George Washington, whose leadership during the Revolution and at the helm of our fledgling nation laid the foundation for the country that we know today. He set many of the precedents for the office, leading with integrity, humility and a clear commitment to the principles of liberty and justice.

“President’s Day is more than just a day to honor the men who have served in that office; it is a reminder of the values that define our country and the responsibilities that we all share in shaping its future. Whether through service, advocacy or community involvement, we all have a role to play in ensuring that America continues to live up to its promise.

“And so, we honor the sacrifice, indomitable spirit and the courage that defined the Battle of Iwo Jima – one of the most pivotable engagements in the Pacific Theatre of World War II, altered the course of the war and became a symbol of bravery and resilience for generations to come.

“The island was defended by over 20,000 Japanese soldiers who were determined to fight to the last man. From the moment the Americans landed on that island, they faced an unrelenting barrage of mortars, artillery and hidden machine gun nests.

“It was one of the bloodiest and most grueling battles in the history of warfare. The cost of victory was steep. More than 6,800 marines gave their lives on that island. We must remember that the victory was not just the result of military strategy or overwhelming firepower; it was also the result of the selflessness and courage of everyone who fought there.

“It is a reminder of the price of freedom and the strength it takes to preserve it. The heroes that fought did not only secure an island – they secured the future for generations to come. Our fallen heroes represent the best of us. We offer a special salute to all of those who have served and paid the ultimate price.”