Iwo Jima Day Observation at State House - Feb 19

Iwo Jima Day Observation at State House

February 19, 2019

Iwo Jima Day Observation at State House - Feb 19

For info on the Battle of Iwo Jima  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Iwo_Jima

My father was fortunate to walk off Iwo Jima as a 19 year old when the battle ended in 1945. Some of his memories were recorded before he passed away on Feb 19, 2012. 

https://jerrysherlockstory.blogspot.com/2013/02/1st-anniversary.html

Remember today

Feb 19 is a special day in US history. It was the day that the Battle of Iwo Jima started in 1945. The flag raising on Mt Suribachi is quite well known. That the battle fought for many days after the flag raising is less so.

Additional information:
Battle of Iwo Jima (wikipedia entry)

To the Shores of Iwo Jima (vintage video)

Iwo Jima Monument in Arlington, VA

If you see a veteran, thank them for their service.

If you find a World War II veteran, listen to a story if they'll tell it. We are all losing too many of those these days.





Note: My father was part of the 4th Marine Division that landed on Iwo Jima on Feb 19th and was one of the lucky ones to walk off in March. I was able to capture part of his oral history and you can listened to him talk of his unit, the Join Assault Signal Company here:
http://jerrysherlockstory.blogspot.com/2007/09/jerry-story-joint-assault-signal.html

Where were you on Feb 19th?

Can you recall without looking at your calendar?

65 years ago, my father - then a 19 year old US Marine, had landed on the black volcanic shores of Iwo Jima on February 19th, 1945. Fierce fighting took place above and below ground on that island until March 26th.

On or about March 26th, yes, 65 years ago, Jerry made his way to the beach to await a landing craft to board, to take him back to the safety of a ship, and then back to Hawaii. Solid food, shower, clean clothes for the first time since Feb 19th. Mission accomplished.

From Jerry's Story

Jerry is the one circled.

Jerry talked about his time in the Pacific at the VA Home in Bristol, RI on Thursday. He spoke without notes. He spoke deliberately and in detail. I complimented him on it after and he said "I left out a few stories". One wouldn't have noticed.

You can view that talk on Jerry's Story here.

And when you think back on what you were doing on February 19th.
Okay, you can go look at your calendar.

And when you reflect on all that you did in the time since then, think of the men who fought on Iwo Jima (in particular as this is their time for remembering) and those who fought elsewhere, and thank a veteran for their service.

The one line I was expecting to hear from Dad at the VA Home, I actually was surprised to not hear Thursday. Whenever he has talked about his time there, and until recently - this was not often, he would usually close with: "The real heroes did not come home."

Are there any Iwo Jima veterans in Franklin?

Please let me know.


Note: this was originally posted on Steve's 2 Cents here