They are dying about one thousand a day. Soon none will be left. They were forged in the furnace of the great depression and challenged by one of the greatest events in world history, WW II. For those of us who were not alive when this war occurred it is impossible to fully imagine what it was like, the fear and trepidation that they had to have experienced and the doubts that they would be able to stem the tide of what seemed like a resistible force. In January 1942 the Germans had rolled over most of Europe and the Japanese controlled nearly the entire Pacific Rim. Both the German and Japanese leadership believed that we were too decadent and spoiled by our easy life to mount an effective resistance (ironically many of our enemies do today as well). Many in this country also expressed the doubt that the youth, that current generation were up to the challenge. With time they proved that they were not only up to the challenge, but then some. With a steep learning curve they slowly developed the skills and courage to face such a daunting task. The amount of material this country produced during that time is nearly unbelievable. The heroism and grit which was shown is truly remarkable.

            A Flag of Our Fathers was written by the son of one of the original six raisers of our flag over Iwo Jima. That image spurred the imagination and encouraged a people whose morale was slowly lagging. The Pacific theatre was much more challenging than Europe. Not only did it compose vast distances but was also located in much of the most inhospitable terrain and climate imaginable. Far more men were felled by disease than bullets or shrapnel. Islands that nobody had ever heard of suddenly became the lexicon by those involved. The shear brutality of combat that they faced from both a savage and determined enemy is legendary. I highly recommend everyone over the age of twelve to see this film, if for no other reason than to learn what great sacrifices have been made for our freedoms and lifestyle which we enjoy today.

Warning!!! This movie contains graphic violence!