Posted on 07/10/2002 8:50:32 AM PDT by gunnyg
The Making Of A Memorial
(Note: The following e-mail from Sgt Ray Jacobs USMC (Ret.), the radioman shown in Lou Lowery's Iwo Jima Flag Photos.)
Hi Gang...
Just got the word from Colonel Walter Ford of Leatherneck that he is having prepared a set of Lou Lowery pictures to be sent to me.There is a cost for printing and shipping but it is worth it.
I sent him a photo folder with a letter,some comparison pictures of me before and at the flag raising and a copy of the front page of the LA Herald-Express dated Feb.24,1945.When he didn't respond after 3 weeks I e mailed him and received an immediate reply.
He acknowledged the material I had sent him and my request for copies of the Lowery pictures. I guess there is nothing like the immediacy of an e mail to get attention.
The Long Prairie,Minnesota Veterans Memorial Park dedication is on track for Saturday,August 10,2002.
Chuck Lindberg and I have been invited to attend along with the families of the Marines at the first flag raising.
I have heard from several family members and they will be there.The memorial is for vets of all wars but the highlight of the monument will be a reproduction of the top of Mt.Suribachi complete with a large metal depiction of the first flag raising based on Lou Lowery's pictures.
I am told that the Iwo monument is four stories high. There will be a reception for all hands on Friday evening,Aug.9 with the official dedication beginning with the flag raising Saturday,Aug.10th at about 10:30AM.
My family and I will be there for the ceremony.I am looking forward to meeting the families. I e mailed this information to Colonel Ford for possible coverage by Leatherneck.
Semper Fi,Ray
________________________________
R.W. "Dick" Gaines
GySgt USMC (Ret.)
1952-72
John Basilone won the Medal of Honor on Guadalcanal. He went home as part of a war bond drive but pushed to get back into combat. He died on Iwo Jima and was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross which is one down from the Medal of Honor. This petition is to have a stamp issued in his honor. Believe it or not - the sponsors are having a hard time with this effort and it has been going on for quite some time. Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley stamps take priority!
Please sign it on-line and pass the link.
SEMPER FI!
Semper Fidelis
Dick G
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