The Region 2 coordinator of the National League of POW/MIA Families, Susie Stephens, keeps me abreast of POW/MIA issues. Last week Susie emailed me an article written for Leatherneck Magazine in March of 1945 by Capt. Frederic Anness Scott recounting his combat experience on Iwo Jima. Capt. Scott’s article, “10 Days on Iwo Jima”, will be featured at a later date on my website.

However, within the article was a sermon delivered by Rabbi Roland B. Gittelsohn, Navy chaplain for the 5th Marine Division, during one of the religious services dedicating the 5th Marine Division cemetery March 21, 1945 on Sulfur Island (Iwo Jima). So much of his sermon applies today, almost 76 years after the dedication; these are the most profound and poignant words this journalist has ever read. The following is Rabbi Gittelsohn’s sermon, in its entirety and unedited.

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Pete Mecca is a Vietnam veteran. For story consideration, visit his website at veteransarticle.com and click on “contact us.”  Mecca is also host of a weekly radio program on veterans. The program airs Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at americaswebradio.com.

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