More Lessons

Here's another marvelous story from Iwo Jima.

This is the most significant passage:

In the days that followed the flag-raising on Mount Suribachi in 1945, Wood wrote his mother about the part he had played in providing the now famous flag. Mrs. Wood, in turn, wrote to the War Department, explaining her son’s involvement. Alan Wood later heard from Brig. Gen. Robert L. Denig, director of the U.S. Marine Corps Division of Public Information in Washington, who requested details.

Wood once again told his story, heaping praise on the Marine combat troops. He wrote on July 7, 1945: “Because we were the first LST to beach at Iwo, and because we experienced a little of the deadliness of the Jap fire there, the crew of the 779 is, naturally, proud that our flag was flown from Suribachi. However, speaking for myself—and yet I am sure there are many others aboard who feel the same—the part we played in the invasion of Iwo Jima was pretty small compared to the willing and simple heroism with which the Marines did their bloody job. The fact that there were men among us who were able to face a situation like Iwo where human life is so cheap, is something to make humble those of us who were so very fortunate not to be called upon to endure any such hell.”

This goes straight to the heart of the incomprehension and disgust I feel with the rich and idle anti-Americans who get so much attention these days. How can these people, who've gained so very much from this nation and given so very little, miss the fact that their success is built on the sacrifices of millions before them? What sickness of their spirit makes them so obsessed with our imperfections, yet so blind to the wonder of the wealth and freedom America has to offer?