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The Normandy landings were the landing operations and associated airborne operations on 6 June 1944 of the Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during the Second World War. Codenamed Operation Neptune and often referred to as D-Day, it is the largest seaborne invasion in history.

🇺🇸 81 Years Ago — The Flag Raising on Mount Suribachi

On February 23, 1945, six U.S. Marines raised the American flag atop Mount Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima — and in that single moment, history was made.

Photographer Joe Rosenthal captured the image that would go on to become one of the most iconic pictures ever taken — a symbol of American resolve, sacrifice, and the unbreakable spirit of the U.S. Marine Corps.

The Battle of Iwo Jima was one of the bloodiest in the Pacific Theater. Nearly 7,000 Americans lost their lives, and over 19,000 were wounded. The Marines who fought there gave everything they had on that volcanic island, far from home, so that freedom could prevail.

Admiral Chester Nimitz said it best — “Among the men who fought on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue.”

Today we remember their courage. We honor their sacrifice. And we never forget what that flag represents.

Semper Fidelis. 🇺🇸