Today is the anniversary of the World War II Battle of Iwo Jima. The United States Marines landed this date in 1945 and the battle lasted until March 26, 1945. It was during this battle that on February 23, 1945, the United States flag was raised over Mt. Suribachi producing the most recognized photograph of World War II, and numerous monuments of the battle. The 36-day assault resulted in more than 26,000 American casualties, including 6,800 dead. Each year, as close possible to the actual invasion date of Iwo Jima, The Delaware County Detachment and The General Smedley D. Butler Detachment of the Marine Corps league, fetes the remaining Iwo Jima vets with a luncheon. This year the luncheon had five Iwo Jima veterans present. Missing were Walter Talmadge, as he no longer drives, and George Edlemann, 92 years of age who recently remarried and is in Florida for the winter. Present from the Upper Darby Detachment were George and Terry Souder. Terry is the District One Auxiliary President. Pictured in the above photo in the front row are Iwo Jima Marine veterans Don Walz in the wheel chair, and Al MacAuley. Pictured in the back row are Lou Camilli, Joe Hefferon and Jack Depew. In the middle of the back row with the Iwo Jima veterans is Marine and Delaware County Detachment Commandant Mark Slaymaker.