Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth vowed on Saturday to strengthen the United States’ alliance with Japan as he spoke at a memorial service in honor of those who died in the World War II battle at Iwo Jima.
Hegseth joined other senior United States and Japanese officials in commemorating the 80th anniversary of the battle, which was fought between February 19, 1945, to March 26, 1945, in what the Department of Defense describes as “some of the fiercest and bloodiest fighting of the entire war.”
“I’m humbled to pilgrim — there’s no other way to put it — to this hallowed ground,” Hegseth said. “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. Today, we remember their valor and sacrifice.”
A joint US-Japan memorial service for the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima near the end of World War II is held in the village of Ogasawara on Iwo Jima island, some 1,250 kilometres (780 miles) from Tokyo on March 29, 2025. (Photo by JAPAN POOL/JIJI Press/AFP via Getty Images)
The Defense Secretary dwelt on the bravery of those who fought at Iwo Jima, saying: “Today, in their everlasting memory, we recommit ourselves to faith and belief in our Alliance — and to peace. You see, Iwo Jima embodies our shared warrior ethos; our shared devotion to nation and to duty; and our shared reverence for the men of valor who preceded us.”
He also praised the current alliance between the United States and Japan.
“The U.S.-Japan Alliance shows those brave men of 1945 how yesterday’s enemy has become today’s friend,” said Hegseth. “Our Alliance has been, and remains the cornerstone of freedom, prosperity, security, and peace in the Indo-Pacific. And it will continue.”
“As we remember the many who gave their lives here for the peace we now enjoy, let us recommit ourselves to our friendship and to our Alliance,” Hegseth said. “Our unity and our shared purpose is what strengthens us. They strengthen us as together we strive to provide a peaceful future for our children and for our grandchildren.”
Hegseth told those gathered that he was grateful to be present with “this incredible group of men and allies here today” and “humbled to be in the presence of such heroes.”
Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (front R) visits Mount Suribachi following a joint US-Japan memorial service to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima near the end of World War II, in the village of Ogasawara on Iwo Jima island, some 1,250 kilometres (780 miles) from Tokyo on March 29, 2025. (Photo by JAPAN POOL/JIJI Press/AFP via Getty Images)
“Humbled to think,” he added, “I have a 14-year-old son, my oldest son. That in just four years, he could have been one of those men asked to do such a thing. And I ask myself, could he? Would he? Do we raise such men? And together, may we commit ourselves to raising such men. That at a tender young age, we’ll stand up and choose to fight. Choose to fight for freedom.”
“We are all proud to bear brief witness to the bravery, courage, and sacrifice that occurred on this battlefield,” the Defense Secretary said. “Heroes were forged here. Their memory reminds us of the horrors and the costs of war. Their brave example inspires us and steels our resolve.”
If these heroes could serve so selflessly, Hegseth said, “so can we.”
“Sweat running down my forehead, imagine how it felt there, those days, on this island 80 years ago,” he reflected. “If they could summon the courage to face a fearsome foe, so can we. If they could so completely dedicate themselves to their countries, to their families, and to each other, so can we.”
He concluded: “We are fortunate to stand here together, shoulder to shoulder as friends and as allies, living their legacy of honor. May almighty God bless our allies. And may almighty God, and the grace and mercies of our savior Jesus Christ always surround our American warriors.”
