Who said, "Holland, the raising of that flag means a Marine Corps for the next 500 years!"?

The statement "Holland, the raising of that flag means a Marine Corps for the next 500 years!" is attributed to James Forrestal, who was the Secretary of the Navy at the time. This remark specifically references the iconic raising of the American flag on Iwo Jima during World War II. The significance of this event for Forrestal lay not only in the victory it represented but also in what it symbolized for the future of the Marine Corps. He believed that the act of flag raising would elevate the Marine Corps’ status and legacy for generations to come.

This context ties into the morale and identity of the Marine Corps, cementing their reputation as a formidable fighting force. The other individuals mentioned, while notable figures within military history, did not make this particular remark, clarifying that Forrestal's quote is distinct and historically relevant to the Marine Corps’ legacy stemming from Iwo Jima.