WWII Survivors Gathering – Friday, February 24, 2017 – Wesley Bolin Plaza
On Friday, February 24, WWII survivors will gather at the 4th Marine Division Memorial at Wesley Bolin Plaza. We will assemble to honor and show respect for those who served and sacrificed at a pivotal time during WWII.
4th Marine Division of the United States Marine Corps was formed by the organization and redesignation of several other units and formally activated on August 14, 1943. After intensive training, the “Fighting Fourth of WII” shipped out on January 13, 1944, and in 13 months made four major amphibious assaults in battles of Kwajalein (Roi-Namur), Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima.
Seventy-two years ago in the climactic battle of the last year of WWII, more than 110,000 Americans and 880 ships began their assault on Iwo Jima, a tiny volcanic island in the Pacific approximately 700 miles south of Tokyo. At 0200 on February 19, battleship guns signaled the commencement of D-Day. Soon 100 bombers attacked the island, followed by another volley from the naval guns. Waves of B-29s, battleships, cruisers, and destroyers systematically continued to shell every target area. The 3rd, 4th and 5th Marine Divisions were given the dubious honor of assaulting the miserable hell hole of Iwo Jima and landed on February 19, 1945..
While the Marines comprised the bulk of the landing force at Iwo Jima, they received early and increasing support from elements of the United States Army. The beachmasters and shore party personnel performed spectacular feats to keep the advancing divisions fully armed and equipped. Quartermaster personnel brought up food and ammunition under fire. And Corpsmen, as always, were to be found. The skill and quick thinking of these corpsmen is best illustrated by the action of Pharmacist’s Mates. The Navajo Code Talkers served in the United States Marine Corps for America and for the world with integrity and in the Pacific Theater took part in every assault the U.S. Marines conducted.
Again, I have been given the honor to coordinate the annual commemoration in honor of these warriors. What a privilege it is to spend valuable time with these veterans — especially every year on or near the anniversary of Iwo Jima Landing and Flag Raising at the 4th Marine Division Memorial that is near and dear.
We will meet at the monument located on the north side of Wesley Bolin Plaza on February 24 and veterans will gather at 11:00 a.m.
24Feb – 1100 – Commemoration @ Wesley Bolin Plaza (north end), Phoenix
(east of Capitol – 17th Avenue – Adams Street westbound/Jefferson Street eastbound)
24Feb – Lunch to be announced RSVP 520-705-8178 or jkakar.delsi@gmail.com
A heartfelt thanks for the assistance of (1) Marine Corps League Old Breed Detachment 767 in “banding together” and presenting our Nation’s colors, perpetuating the beautiful history of the Marine Corps and honoring all our warriors, (2) Arizona Patriot Guard Riders forming the flag line standing in honor of the service by our Greater Generation (3) Jerry (&Mitzie) and Gunny performingTaps as tribute to warriors who have passed on and performing a tribute to our armed forces. And I am proud to announce we have a very special person as guest speaker!!
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I feel honored that for so many years, I am able to continue relationships with many of these warriors…but sad when they are gone from this earth. Although they join our Creator, they are still with us in spirit and in our hearts!! As a result of their service, we were given peace, freedom, stability, endurance, values, love and hope. We must never forget them and always be grateful for their valor and sacrifices. “This older generation survived and time welcomed them to a life where reflection had a place. At the end of their enlistment, they maintained their values throughout life. The legacy of leadership this generation leaves behind makes for very large shoes for many to fill…”
~ ~ ~ ~ God Bless You and God Bless America ~ ~ ~ ~
Respectfully submitted,
Josie Kakar-Delsi, Adjutant/PR
Marine Corps League Casa Grande Detachment 901
