Some survivors of when U.S. Marines captured the island of Iwo Jima during World War II got a hero’s welcome in Danville today (Thursday, October 18, 2018). An Honor Guard of American Legion Riders from Post 210 saluted as the visitors and their families entered the Vermilion County War Museum.
The 5th Marine Division is holding a reunion in Champaign and decided to stop by the War Museum in Danville.
Ivan Hammond of Sante Fe, Texas remembers seeing the raising of two American Flags on the island over Mount Suribachi after days of heavy fighting…
George Boutwell of Pell City, Alabama was with the 5th Marine Division Medical Battalion at the time…
Billy Cawthron of West Plains, Missouri was also there when the American flags went up…
Many of those attending the reunion became members of the 5th Marine Division after World War II. And many fought in Vietnam.
On Saturday, October 20th, the 1985 documentary ‘Return to Iwo Jima’ is going to be shown at the Virginia Theatre in Champaign. The show is open to the public free of charge with doors opening at noon and the show at 1:00 p.m.
[NOTE: You can enlarge the photos by clicking on them.]
