Scott's View: Valentine's Day, Iwo Jima, and Black History Month: A Time for Love and Remembrance

February 14th is a day for love, a time to celebrate the bonds that connect us. Whether it's romantic love, the love of family, or the warmth of friendship, Valentine's Day is a reminder to cherish those special people in our lives.

But this February 19th, as we celebrate love, let's also take a moment to remember a pivotal moment in history. 80 years ago, on February 19th, 1945, the Battle of Iwo Jima began. This brutal battle saw thousands of American and Japanese soldiers lose their lives.

The image of the American flag being raised atop Mount Suribachi has become an enduring symbol of courage and sacrifice. It's a reminder of the bravery of those who fought on Iwo Jima and the heavy cost of war.

Finally, as February is Black History Month, we recognize an estimated 700 to 900 who participated in the epic island battle, many of whom were Marines trained in segregated boot camps at Montford Point, within Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The Montford Point Marines were the first Black Marines ever to serve, and while these soldiers were restricted from front-line combat duty, they played integral noncombat roles at Iwo Jima and other venues during World War II.

On this Valentine's Day, and throughout this month, let's celebrate the love in our lives and honor the memory of our Greatest Generation of World War II, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.