More than fifteen thousand veterans, reenactors, and the general public assembled outside of Fredericksburg, Texas, this Saturday, February 19, for the reenactment of the seige and taking of Mt. Suribachi. The event took place on a private residence of the son of an Iwo Jima survivor sixty years to the day that American Marines took the volcanic beaches of this strategic location. Vision Forum was there with more than one hundred of our team to record, observe, and participate in the great event.

Though half the size of the actual Suribachi, vets told us this mountain had an uncanny similarity.

The battle reenactment included a great deal of gun fire, flame throwing, heavy armored vehicles, and mortar shells.

Troops prepare for engagement.

Vision Forum staff Richard (father) and Ryan (son) Short participate in the reenactment.

The Japanese strategy of underground warfare limited the effectiveness of the American tanks.

Flame throwers were used to destroy enemy in underground positions.

An example of heavy machine gun weaponry.

Evacuating the wounded.

Trench warfare.

Japanese troops mount a banzai charge.

Veterans who watched the original two flag-raisings in 1945 said that it was observable from many parts of the island and out at sea. They said the effect on morale was indescribable.