Thursday, Feb. 19, 70 years ago an event took place that changed the lives of thousands of young men called United States Marines. It was “The Battle of Iwo Jima.”
Iwo Jima ended the lives of nearly 8,000 young men and wounded around 16,000. I happened to be blessed as one who was only wounded. The wounds of so many ended their lives in short time, while others like myself have lived with our’s now for 70 years.
Some of us bear wounds visible and others invisible. Those invisible wounds go unnoticed by others, keeping hidden our suffering. Even our family members wouldn’t know unless they were told.
Many families would know something was wrong, but would not know what, leading many to say later, “If you had told us, we could have understood you better.”
I have been living with this wound for 70 years, not realizing the extent and the way it affected me for a long period of time, keeping things bottled up inside and trying to hide and control the feelings while fighting for sleep at night.
Voices and sounds that crept into my ears at night and other times were very frightening. I recall being almost captured by the enemy, which would have meant torture and death, and running so hard to escape. I now find myself running in my sleep and feel so tired when waking up.
With the help of God, family, friends and medical people, I have been able to serve God and take care of my family and am still trying to do so. Even now, I still hear the screams of the wounded and those captured by the enemy as they were tortured at night in the entrances to the caves above us.
I am 89 years old and still vividly remember my experiences of 70 years ago at the Battle of Iwo Jima. I remember my comrades who died by my side and many who have died since. As far as I know, I’m the only member of my Company still living. I still wonder why?
I thank God for my family and my faith in God. Until death, I will serve both. I know God has a reason for me still being here.
Buford Usry, of Calhoun City, is a retired pastor who remains active in local veterans’ groups and regularly visits area churches and organizations as a guest speaker.