Raising the Flag: The Anniversary and a Message
Fort Worth, Texas – February 23, 2021
Raising the Flag: The Anniversary and a Message. It took place over three quarters of a century ago. Yes today it is a piece of history many recognize. Whether by the iconic photograph taken atop Mount Suribachi. Or through the voices of those who were there recounting their memories of the battle.
When Was the Battle of Iwo Jima
When was the Battle of Iwo Jima? To begin with, the Battle of Iwo Jima was a battle lasting five weeks. Beginning on Monday, February 19, 1945 and ending on Monday, March 26, 1945. Indeed this year marks the 76th anniversary of the battle. As well as the flag raising that took place the same day.
Marines converged upon Iwo Jima in Japan with a mission in mind. To gain possession of the island in order to use it for a landing strip.
What Day Was the Flag Raised on Iwo Jima
Upon gaining control of the top of Mount Suribachi, marines were raising a U.S. flag. In fact, this event took place at 10:30am on February 23, 1945. While six men rose the flag, United States Marine Corps Veteran Don Graves was nearby. He had been fighting alongside those six prior. Indeed Don is a last living witness to the actual raising on that day. Additionally, Don is active in his community and supports veterans around the country. As well he is a speaker and sings the ‘National Anthem’ and ‘God Bless America’ in multiples of events each year.
The Anniversary of the Flag Raising
Now, seventy-six years later, Don Graves commemorated the anniversary by participating in two flag raising events. In fact, the named organizers of these events are:
● Myers Jackson, President of USVET.fund INC., Grapevine, TX
● Mark Donahew, Vice President of Roll Call, Fort Worth, TX
Iwo Jima – Generations Later
First, Don Graves rose a flag at Wayside Middle School at 1300 Old Decatur Rd., Fort Worth, TX at 9:00 AM. Just prior to the flag raising, Don spoke with a reporter from Spectrum News. Afterward, a class of middle school students entered the yard carrying various patriotic decorations. With the colors of red white and blue being proudly displayed by the youngsters, Don rose the flag. He then spoke to the students regarding the importance of loving this country. He then asked the kids and others in attendance to join him in singing the National Anthem.
As a matter of fact, one young lady approached Don telling him about her grandfather who also had served in the Battle of Iwo Jima. The children then presented Don with a wooden wall plaque shaped like the USA. Likewise, Don, USVET.fund and Roll Call presented Wayside Middle School with a print of Don Graves drawn by Army Veteran Jeremy Jackson. As well as a photograph of Fiske Hanley, another veteran who had served in the Battle of Iwo Jima.
Raising the Flag and Presenting Retired Flags
Next, Don Graves went to the Westworth Village City Hall at 311 Burton Hill Road. At 10:30 AM there he participated in another flag raising. Attending this event was the Mayor of Westworth Village L. Kelley Jones. As well as members of the city hall, active service members, the Westworth Village police department, fellow veterans and family members of late veterans.
In fact, USVET.fund and Roll Call presented restored flags to the four police officers present. Also to veterans, then to family members of late veterans. Each flag includes a poem written by Melissa Bird. Melissa saves retired flags from VFW’s, police and fire stations, and restores them to be given to veterans to keep so that the flags may live on. Then a print of Don Graves drawn by Army Veteran Jeremy Jackson was given to the active service members. Additionally, USVET.fund and Roll Call presented the city hall with a copy of the map of Iwo Jima and a photograph of Fiske Hanley.
Sharing Iwo Jima History and a Meal
Then, to round out the evening, members of USVET.fund and Roll Call joined Don Graves to enjoy a meal at Bob’s Steak and Chop House in Grapevine, TX. During this meal, Don shared more about his experience in Iwo Jima on Mount Suribachi. Sharing incredible pieces of history and memories that bring alive the events of the anniversary celebrated this day. The 76th anniversary of the raising of the flag in Iwo Jima. Many of the things Don spoke during the day hold true and inspirational. Especially his statement that although those 6 men physically rose the pole and flag in Iwo Jima, it was indeed every member of the military there in Iwo Jima during that five weeks of war that rose the flag.
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