Robert Phillips' Iwo Jima Memorial Observance Speech -- February 21, 2026

 

Last Saturday, February 21, 2026, we, with Marine Corps League Motherlode Detachment #1080, held our annual Iwo Jima Memorial Observance in Volcano, California. The "town" of Volcano, once known as Soldier's Gulch, sits at about 2060 feet elevation and has a population of about 104 people. 

We hold our observance of the battle of Iwo Jima in the tiny town of Volcano, California. We hold our memorial observance in the town of Volcano because Marine Brigadier General Harry Bluett Liversedge was born and raised in that small California Gold Rush town on September 21, 1894. He was the commanding officer of the Marines who raised the flag on Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima.

In January of 1944, then Col. Liversedge was transferred to the 5th Marine Division and placed in command of the 28th Marines. On February 19, 1945, he and his 28th Marines were among the thousands to land on Iwo Jima. Just a few days after the battle began, on February 23rd, 1945, Col. Liversedge’s 28th Marines raised an American flag on Mount Suribachi. 

The photo of those Marines raising that flag boosts the morale of both men there and Americans at home. Among other things, that photograph symbolized American bravery, endurance, determination, and our nation's will to win that war.

Each year since that battle, Marines remember the Marines who fought and died on Iwo Jima. We remember how their gallantry and scarifice embody our Corps' values of honor, courage, and commitment. We acknowledge how their actions defined how we Marines think, how we act, and how we fight. We recognize that their valor, sense of duty, resolve, and selflessness is why we hold those who fought and died there on Iwo Jima in such high esteem. Their actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima set the standard for all Marines forevermore. Their actions branded the United States Marine Corps and Marines for who we are.

As the Commandant of the Marine Corps League Motherlode Detachment #1080, I look forward to our annual Iwo Jima Memorial Observance. Last Saturday, February 21, 2026, Robert Phillips gave a wonderful speech that encapsulates how Marines feel about those who fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima from February 19 to March 26, 1945.

Here's Robert Phillips' speech: 

From the Perspective of a United States Marine Who Served in Operation Desert Storm Honoring the Heroes of Iwo Jima

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, fellow Marines, veterans, and honored guests. Today, we gather to remember and pay tribute to the brave souls who fought at Iwo Jima—one of the most pivotal battles in Marine Corps history. As a Marine who served in Operation Desert Storm, I stand before you as part of a younger generation, shaped by a different war but forever connected to the legacy forged on those black sands. The brotherhood of Marines endures across generations, and I am privileged to speak on behalf of all who have worn the uniform.

The Legacy of Courage

In February 1945, the men of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Marine Divisions landed on Iwo Jima, facing a determined enemy entrenched in tunnels and fortified positions. The odds were daunting, and the terrain unforgiving. For 36 days, our Marines fought not only for a strategic island, but for each other. They demonstrated what it truly means to be a Marine: courage, commitment, and a willingness to sacrifice for the mission and for the man beside you.

As someone who faced my own trials in the deserts of the Middle East, I often look back on the heroes of Iwo Jima for inspiration. Their courage in the face of overwhelming adversity set the standard for all Marines who followed. The flag raised atop Mount Suribachi stands as a symbol of hope, resilience, and unity — not just for Marines, but for all Americans. Behind that iconic image were countless acts of  heroism and selflessness, many of which will never be fully known beyond the silent memories of those who served. 

The Cost of Freedom

The price paid at Iwo Jima was steep. Nearly 7,000 Marines made the ultimate sacrifice, and thousands more were wounded. Every name etched in history represents a story of valor and loss. As a Marine who served in a different conflict, I honor their memory not only with words, but in how I strive to live my life and uphold the values they fought to protect. Their sacrifice paved the way for every Marine who came after, including those of us who answered the call in places like Kuwait and Iraq.

Lessons for Today— And For Life After The Corps

The battle for Iwo Jima teaches us vital lessons — of perseverance in the face of adversity and of unity despite differences. It reminds us that freedom is never free; it is earned and defended by the bravery of those willing to stand firm, even when the way forward is unclear. 

But these lessons do not end when we take off the uniform. Life after the Marine Corps brings its own challenges—adapting to civilian life, finding new purpose, and facing adversity in ways we may not have expected. The courage, commitment, and brotherhood we learned as Marines remain with us. 

When we encounter obstacles — whether in our careers, our families, or our communities — we draw on the same spirit that carried us through battles overseas. We remember that we are never alone; we are part of a legacy that teaches us to stand tall, support one another, and face every hardship with resilience and honor. 

As a younger Marine, I carry these lessons with me. The legacy of Iwo Jima lives on in every action, every mission, and every commitment to our country and each other. We stand on the shoulders of giants, and it is our duty to live in a way that honors their sacrifice—not just in war, but in every day that follows.

Today, let us remember the fallen, honor the survivors, and recommit ourselves to the ideals that make us Marines. May the spirit of Iwo Jima guide us in times of challenge and inspire us to be worthy of the title we bear — whether we fought on volcanic sands, desert plains, or in the battles of everyday life. 

Semper Fidelis — Always Faithful.

--end of Reobert's speech. 

I want to thank Robert Phillips for allowing me to publish his speech here. He did a fine job at our Marine Corps League Detachment's annual Iwo Jima Memorial Observance. He is a great friend, an outstanding Marine member of our Marine Corps League Detachment, and a wonderful example of a Marine who still lives the ethos. 

While the exact origin is often debated, there is a long-standing mantra among Marines: "You can take the Marine out of the Corps, but you can't take the Corps out of the Marine." 

For Marines who've spent their lives living the life, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, on active duty, always ready, always able, always there, being ready to answer the call when the word comes down that it's time to saddle-up, we lived up to the standards of the code. The idiom, "You can take the Marine out of the Corps, but you can't take the Corps out of the Marine," emphasizes the lifelong nature of being a good Marine. 

And yes, my friends, it really is about living the life, following the code with uncompromising integrity, and practicing ethical behavior. It is about respect for human dignity and having the inner strength to fight against all odds. It signifies that "Once a Marine, always a Marine" really and truly emphasizes that our core values of honor, courage, commitment, our physical and mental toughness, and habits instilled by the Marine Corps do not disappear when a Marine becomes a civilian or veteran. 

Being a Marine on active duty is not a part-time job. You don't show up now and then and still call yourself a Marine if you really earned the title. The whole idea of "Once a Marine, always a Marine," is truly is a tribute to the training, discipline, and identity of a Marine. An identity that remains permanently a part of who we are, even after leaving active duty. 

Being a Marine goes to the heart of how we Marines carry the discipline, work ethic, and sometimes the physical bearing of our service into their civilian lives or new careers. Our time on active duty shaped us for life. And no, that's not a bad thing at all. Most of us agree, the Marines like Robert who still live the title proudly, a title we'd never dishonor, we'd do it all over again without hesitation. And yes, indeed, that says a lot.

Tom Correa