Three days, 3000 casualties

[osprey4]

Today is the 60th anniversary of the Battle for Tarawa, one of the first battles that began the US offensive across the south Pacific.

If you're a history buff, this excellent site provides a fairly thorough treatment of this important battle (for an internet site). It's great reading and a great reminder of the debt of gratitude we owe to those who put their lives on the line in the defense of freedom.

Semper fi!

[Optimus Prime]

How about the Somme?

One day, ten thousand casualties.

Now that's a reminder.

[MD1032]

True, but it not Somme's 60th anniversary. You want bloody? The bloodiest day in American history is Antietam (Civil War). 23,000 troops in a day. Pretty insane. I remember going over that battle in 8th grade with my SS teacher, who was excellent BTW.

[osprey4]

Yes, obviously there were many battles that cost far more lives than Tarawa. I was emphasizing that today is the anniversary of that battle. There are some who fought there who are still alive to tell about it. And thanks to their effort, we still have the freedom to honor them.

[Thud]

I was emphasizing that today is the anniversary of that battle. There are some who fought there who are still alive to tell about it. And thanks to their effort, we still have the freedom to honor them.

Amongst the first of many battles in the "island hoppng" campaign that led us to victory in the Pacific. That's worth remembering, IMO. Thanks for the reminder.