Museum to celebrate Iwo Jima anniversary
(Fredericksburg, Texas)
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Posted on 11/22/2004 11:08:50 AM PST by SwinneySwitch
The National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg is planning a major commemoration in February to mark the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima.
Events include a "heroes' parade," a re-creation of the capture of Mount Suribachi and a memorial service with Gen. Michael W. Hagee, commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, in attendance.
"It promises to be an elaborate and well-organized celebration," said retired Maj. Gen. Jim Jones, 83, of San Antonio.
As a Marine, he fought 30 days in the battle that's called one of the greatest amphibious assaults in history.
The museum's namesake, Fleet Adm. Chester W. Nimitz, a Fredericksburg native who led Allied forces in the Pacific, said of the Marines who fought there that "Uncommon valor was a common virtue."
The clash for possession of the island began Feb. 19, 1945. The island was targeted by the Allies for use as a base for bombers on missions to and from mainland Japan.
More than 250,000 men and 900 ships took part in fighting so fierce it resulted in more Marines receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor, the country's highest award for valor, than in any other battle.
Among the few surviving Medal of Honor recipients from the battle is Hershel "Woody" Williams, who is expected to attend the event, which will run from Feb. 17 to 21.
"The medal presented to me really doesn't belong to me. It belongs to the Marines who did not get to come home," said Williams, 81, from his West Virginia home.
A Marine corporal, he used a flame thrower and demolitions during the 36-day fight.
"Very few of us made it through the whole thing, but I did," Williams said.
He hasn't visited the museum, but said, "I'm anxious to see it."
Also planning to be there is San Antonio resident Guy Owensby, who watched the fighting from the USS El Dorado, an amphibious group command ship.
"They do a terrific job up there," Owensby, 79, said of the museum staff. "It's nice to be remembered, especially all the guys who didn't come back."
Registration is free for all Iwo Jima veterans, and information is available at www.nimitz-museum.org or by calling (210) 826-2956.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- zeke@express-news.net
http://www.nimitz-museum.org/iwojima2004.htm
I think I'm going to have to put this on the calendar and make it down there. Maybe I'll get a chance to shake some of those guy's hands and say my thanks.
Ollie North has been quoted as saying this is the finest Naval museum in the country. I've been there many times, and never tire of going back.
The Battle of Iwo Jima. Why... THAT'S the battle John Kerry mocked with his book "The New Soldier" cover where it showed a bunch of hippies pushing up a flag hung upside down. Wonder if sKerry will be at this ceremony? Oh wait...no he won't...as he's said in that same book that he would never celebrate having been a soldier. And some say America made the wrong decision on Nov 2?
Had the chance to visit this museum a couple of years ago with my father. Very neat place. You can see some photos at:
http://www.hisworldimages.com/TedPhotos/fred_nimitz/index.html
Ping!
A truly grand museum. My uncle, John H. Ryan did not do Iwo Jima, but did catch Leyte and the full nine yards of Okinawa. In fact, he was in transit from Okinawa to take part in the homeland invasion of Japan itself when the A-bomb made that a moot question.
The people at the Nimitz Museum sat with him for a long while one Sunday taking his recollections and thoughts to add to their oral history collection. If you know of anyone with this sort of experience, please have them contact the museum. They are expanding now, if you can, please donate. This place will end up being the most complete repository of the Pacific War history on Earth. Well worth a weekend or more, not to mention the rest of Fredericksburg.
Ping your Texas list.
307 miles from the house! Have to make a road trip over a long weekend.
Semper Fi
Museum to celebrate Iwo Jima anniversary
(Fredericksburg, Texas)
Please let me know if you want ON or OFF my Texas ping list!. . .don't be shy.
No, you don't HAVE to be a Texan to get on this list!
Ever hear of the Austin Lounge Lizards???
They recorded a song years ago, called "The Chester Nimitz Oriental Garden Waltz"!
LC
After touring the main house, check out the oriental garden and the other newer museum at the rear of the complex. They have a Jap. midget sub on display along with a lot of other stuff. Like the American flag made by POW's.
epaul
I'll be there. It really is an outstanding museum. I've been many times as it is only about 30 miles from my house. The live fire demonstrations of WW2 weaponry is amazing. Don't miss this one folks.
Looks like this will be an awesome event, I would sure love to be there.
I haven't been to F-town in awhile. This is as good an excuse as any to visit the bed-n-brewery.
Oh--and don't forget to mention that the drive from Austin through the Hill Country is lovely, too--LOL!
Thanks for the ping. We've been there twice
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