Senator Warner joined dozens of World War II veterans today to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the raising of the U.S. flag at Mount Suribachi in Iwo Jima, Japan.

He was accompanied by his father, Robert, who served as a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps and fought during the battle of Iwo Jima.  

The commemoration and wreath-laying ceremony was held at the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial in Arlington, Virginia.  U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar honored Cpl. Warner's service to the nation and saluted all those who served in World War II.  

Senator Warner, who made improved services to military veterans a focus during his term as Virginia Governor and continues to honor that commitment today in Congress, said World War II veterans are a great example of service and sacrifice for today's young Americans.

The raising of the flag at Iwo Jima is one of the most recognizable images of the war, taken by a photographer from the Associated Press on the fifth day of the battle.  The statue in Arlington honors Marines who have fought and died in America's wars since 1775.  

U.S. Sen. Mark Warner and his father, Robert, 84, leave the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial in Arlington, Va., on Tues., Feb. 23, 2010, after commemorating the 65th anniversary of the raising of the U.S. flag at Iwo Jima. The Senator's father, Robert Warner of Vernon, CT, is a retired Marine who fought at Iwo Jima.