On the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized the deepened bond between the US and Japan born from shared sacrifices in WWII. During a memorial service attended by veterans, officials, and dignitaries, he remarked on the bravery of over 80,000 troops who fought, with over 26,000 lives lost. Hegseth highlighted the alliance's importance in countering threats from China, framing the former enmity as a foundation for current peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
"Over 80,000 Marines, soldiers, and sailors from our two countries fought at Iwo Jima. More than 26,000 died here. Today, we revere their courage."
"The U.S.-Japan alliance shows how yesterday's enemy has become today's friends. This alliance is the cornerstone of freedom and security in the Indo-Pacific."
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