Rep. María Elvira Salazar, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida, marked the anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima and announced her guest for the upcoming State of the Union address in a series of posts on February 23, 2026.
In a post commemorating World War II history, Salazar wrote on February 23, 2026: “On this day in 1945, U.S. Marines raised the American flag atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima, a moment forged in fire, sacrifice, and unshakable resolve. Today, we bow our heads in honor of the Marines who fought on that island and the thousands who never came”.
Later that day, Salazar announced her guest for the State of the Union address would be Rosa María Payá. On February 23, 2026 she posted: “I am proud to announce that Rosa María Payá will join me as my guest at the State of the Union. Her father stood up to the Cuban dictatorship and paid the ultimate price for choosing freedom over fear. That sacrifice did not end his legacy, it shaped Rosa María into a fearless”.
The announcement was also made in Spanish in another post on February 23, 2026: “Me enorgullece anunciar que Rosa María Payá será mi invitada al Discurso del Estado de la Unión. Su padre enfrentó a la dictadura cubana y pagó un alto precio por no arrodillarse ante el miedo. Ese sacrificio no fue en vano. Forjó en Rosa María una voz firme y combativa en”.
Rosa María Payá is known as an activist for human rights and democracy in Cuba. Her father, Oswaldo Payá, was a prominent Cuban dissident who died under contested circumstances after years advocating for political reform.
The Battle of Iwo Jima remains one of World War II’s most iconic battles involving U.S. forces in the Pacific Theater. The raising of the flag on Mount Suribachi has become a symbol of American military valor and sacrifice.