October 2014

Iwo Jima Veterans, family members and friends,

In 1945, one of the most savage battles of WWII was fought on the small island of Iwo Jima. Next year we will commemorate the 70th Anniversary of that battle in both Washington, DC and on Guam and Iwo Jima, at the annual Reunion of Honor.

This annual Reunion of Honor was founded by LtGen Larry Snowden, USMC (a veteran wounded during the battle) after a trip to Tokyo in 1994 to meet with the Japanese veterans, members of the Iwo Jima Association of Japan. For nineteen years, (except in 2011, when it was cancelled due to a Tsunami in Japan) these two groups have met each March on the Black Sands in peace and friendship. "Once Enemies, Now Friends" has become more than just words to those attending this annual event witnessing the solemn commemoration honoring those killed, wounded or missing in action, of both America and Japan. In many ways, Iwo Jima is now an International Cemetery where those bodies still buried there, will remain until eternity.

Many of the aging Iwo Jima veterans would like to return to the "Black Sands" but cannot afford it. The average cost is about five thousand dollars. Consequently, we are asking for those of you who can afford it, to help those who can’t. Please give what you can, whether five hundred or five thousand dollars to help a veteran return to Iwo Jima for the 70th Anniversary. Please return your contribution in the enclosed envelope. Every dollar is tax deductible, to the full extent of IRS regulations.
 

 
         Download our 2015 Fund Raiser Flyer here.