The term 'SANDS of Iwo Jima' is a reference to the 1945 World War II battle between the United States and Japan for control of the island of Iwo Jima. The battle was one of the bloodiest of the war, with over 6, 000 American casualties and more than 20, 000 Japanese casualties. The phrase 'SANDS of Iwo Jima' has become a symbol of the courage and sacrifice of the American soldiers who fought in the battle.