The Pacific War Memorial Association, a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization, has erected a bronze sculpture depicting the second flag raising during the Battle of Iwo Jima It is located at the front gate of Marine Corps Base-Hawaii, overlooking Kaneohe Bay.

During WWII, preparations for the harrowing 36-day Battle of Iwo Jima took place on Guam, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii. On February 23, 1945, two American flags were raised on Mt. Suribachi, signifying allied determination, jointness of effort, and victory with great sacrifice in the Pacific. The capture of Iwo Jima gave safe-haven to thousands of B-29 flights and saved the lives of over 25,000 Army Air Corps crewmen.

An exhibit of historical photographs taken of our residents and the 4th and 5th Marine Divisions, as they trained for battle on Maui and the Big Island, will be on display at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard on May 13th, 2008. The shipyard was the first permanent home for the United States Marine Corps in Hawaii.