HOUSE MEMORIAL 77

52nd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2015

INTRODUCED BY

Andy Nunez

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING FEBRUARY 19, 2015 "IWO JIMA DAY" IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

     WHEREAS, February 19, 2015 marks the seventieth anniversary of a major battle in which the United States armed forces fought for and captured the island of Iwo Jima in the South Pacific; and

     WHEREAS, this five-week military operation comprised some of the fiercest and bloodiest fighting of World War II and was the main turning point of the war in the Pacific theater because of the island's strategic location to Japan; and

     WHEREAS, the sailors and aviators who supported this critical operation from offshore, as well as the marines and navy seabees who landed on the beaches, deserve recognition; and

     WHEREAS, seven thousand members of the United States armed forces and almost nineteen thousand Japanese soldiers lost their lives in the battle for America's freedom; and

     WHEREAS, it is appropriate to honor New Mexico residents who took part in this historic battle;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that February 19, 2015 be declared "Iwo Jima Day" in the house of representatives in recognition of this historic event; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that those heroic servicemen and servicewomen who fought at Iwo Jima be recognized and that all servicemen and servicewomen who have served and continue to serve the country be honored; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of veterans' services.

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