Fort Collins, CO
Wichita Falls TX - Patriot Guard Riders (including Ted, my Dad) braved chilly North Texas weather to ride to the reunion of WWII veterans and their families in honor of the 64th anniversary of Iwo Jima. The Patriot Guard and a boy scout troop formed the flag line at the event which included a reenactment of the raising of the American Flag on D-Day February 19, 1945 on Mount Suribachi. Thirty-four WWII survivors and their families were present at the reunion.Despite less than desirable riding conditions, I can tell you that not one Patriot Guard Rider regrets the decision to seize an opportunity to honor those who fought so bravely to preserve the freedom and liberty of the USA.
There are six Flag Raisers in the photo. Four in the front line and two in back.
The front four are (left to right) Ira Hayes, Franklin Sousley, John Bradley and Harlon Block. The back two are Michael Strank (behind Sousley) and Rene Gagnon (behind Bradley). Strank, Block and Sousley would die shortly afterwards. Bradley, Hayes and Gagnon became national heroes within weeks.
Source: http://www.iwojima.com/
Photos: Courtesy of Nezzie (Mom) and John aka Snapshot Bailey.
More pics of the Reunion: http://jjskewlstuffii.blogspot.com/2009/02/pgr-attends-the64th-iwo-jima-survivors.html
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