A Salute to Duty and Sacrifice

Lou Burg, 85, flew in from Los Angeles with his daughter Myra, 47, to witness the moment. He served three years in the Corps and was a 2nd lieutenant at Iwo Jima, the bloodiest battle for the Corps during World War II. It was there that 6,800 U.S. troops, mostly Marines, were killed and nearly 20,000 were wounded during a 36-day assault that began Feb. 19, 1945.

Yesterday, Burg dressed in his red satin survivors jacket, shaking the hands of fellow Marines and soaking in the significance of his contribution. "It's important for me to be here for my children, and it's important for me to be here because of this organization," Burg said. "Mostly it's important for me to be here for my wife."

She died last year, and, to honor her, Burg had purchased a brick that was used to build the pathway outside the museum.

James Lewis, 75, saw action in Korea, fighting at Chosin Reservoir in 1950. Many did not survive the Marines' fighting withdrawal.

Yesterday, Lewis proudly wore a T-shirt that bore the words "The Chosin Few."

"This means everything to me," said Lewis, who watched the ceremony from a wheelchair.

"He's planned this for a year," said his wife, Jean, 63. The couple traveled from Houston to attend.

Before closing the ceremony, Bush told the story of Marine Cpl. Jason Dunham of New York, who would have turned 25 yesterday had he not been killed in combat two years ago. The young soldier threw himself on a grenade to save two fellow Marines.

Yesterday, Bush announced that Dunham would receive the Medal of Honor, the military's highest honor.

"As long as we have Marines like Corporal Dunham, America will never fear for her liberty," said Bush, who wiped a tear shortly after Dunham's parents were honored with a standing ovation. "As long as we have this museum, America will never forget their sacrifice."