70th Anniversary of Iwo Jima webinars for Students and Adults

February and March mark the 70th anniversary of one of bloodiest battles in Marine Corps History: Iwo Jima. Iwo Jima was of strategic importance in the Pacific campaign, as a potential base for bombers under duress in the long journey to or from raids on the Japanese home islands.  The cost to take the 2 mile wide by 4 mile long island was high: over 24,000 American casualties. In fact, Iwo Jima was the only battle in the Pacific war where American casualties outnumbered Japanese. Through the sacrifices of our troops on the island and at sea surrounding the rock, the hard fought and eventual victory saved the lives of 24,000 US Airmen during emergency landings. During the next two months, the Museum will host a student webinar and an adult webinar series to commemorate the battle and those who fought tirelessly to take the “sulphur island.”

There’s a program perfect for students and life-long learners alike, showcasing the Museum’s collection and staff. Some webinars will even feature artifacts not on view to the public and connect with partner institutions to learn about their Iwo Jima story.  All you need to access these live webinars is a computer with a high speed internet connection.

STUDENT WEBINAR
Now All Together: The 70th Anniversary of the Iwo Jima Flag Raising
Featuring the National Museum of the Marine Corps
Monday, February 23, 2015
12:00PM – 1:00PM CT
Cost: Free!

On the exact date of the 70th anniversary of the historic flag raising, uncover the myths, history, and significance of one of the most iconic and powerful photographs of WWII. Students will learn about the importance of the battle for Iwo Jima and how the flag raising occurred not just once, but twice atop Mount Suribachi. Hear first-hand accounts from Marines who participated in the bloody 5-week battle and even a photographer who witnessed those dramatic few seconds that would turn into the most inspiring image of the war. Students will also travel to the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Virginia to explore some of their most important artifacts, the flags from Mt. Suribachi, and learn about their mission share the stories of the Marine Corps on Iwo Jima for many generations to come.

Register for the free student webinar today!

ADULT LEARNING WEBINAR SERIES: THE 70th ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF IWO JIMA
Cost:  Per program: $10 for non members; free for members
Purchase the package of three programs and receive a $10 discount!

Hershel “Woody” Williams, Medal of Honor recipient, Iwo Jima.

Part One: Landings and Flag Raising—Thursday, February 26th at 12:00pm CT
Hear harrowing accounts of the initial days on the island, from the landings of the Marine divisions on the black volcanic sand to scaling Mount Suribachi. Discover the surprising story of two flag raisings, and how the image snapped by Joe Rosenthal became one of the most famous and recognizable photographs in American history.

Part Two: Valor and Sacrifice—Thursday, March 12th at 12:00 pm CT
Learn about the impregnable Japanese fortifications, caves, and tunnels and the slow capture of the critical airfields on the central and northern parts of the island. Explore the important role of the Navy and the American Indian code talkers in the advance of the battle through the Museum’s collection and expert staff. Examine the Marine’s bloody pursuit of the Japanese and eventual overtaking of the area known as the “meat grinder.”

Part Three: Victory and Legacy—Thursday, March 26th at 12:00 pm CT
Explore the final phases of the operation, and the last, desperate banzai attempts of the Japanese army to attack the battle-worn Marines. Learn about the importance of the island in the overall bombing strategy for the remainder of the war and why the Marines on Iwo Jima will always be remembered for exhibiting “uncommon valor” as a “common virtue.”

Register for the Adult Learning Webinar Series today!

Post by Chrissy Gregg, Virtual Classroom Coordinator