thedrifter
06-13-09, 07:24 AM
Flags of Iwo Jima
Marine enthusiast sends flag to the Sands of Iwo Jima
Lance Cpl. Antwain J. Graham
IWO JIMA, Japan (June 12, 2009) -- Marines from various units of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing visited Iwo Jima, June 1, to walk along the same paths of Marines who fought for the island during World War II.
For Lance Cpl. Paul A. Millis, a crew chief with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st MAW, this journey to Iwo Jima was more than ordinary. Especially considering the special package he took with him.
Prior to his trip, Millis received a package containing an American flag and a letter from Ken Harper, a former U.S. sailor, soldier and an associate member of the Marine Corps League, Detachment 1310, in Lake Dardanelle, Ariz.
The flag was meant to be a gift for the Marines back at Det. 1310.
Since they are a new detachment, they are still trying to get themselves established and set up, Harper said.
"I noticed they didn't have a U.S. flag on hand to which everyone could address colors," he added. "I wanted it to be more than just a flag off a shelf in some store and to have some actual Marine Corps ties."
The flag has already flown over both Marine Corps recruit depots and the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington, Va.
But Harper wanted more.
"I wondered if it might be possible to have it taken to the island of Iwo Jima," he said.
After speaking with Millis' uncle, retired Gunnery Sgt. Dorne Millis, Harper found out that Lance Cpl. Millis was going to Iwo Jima with his unit.
In a letter, Harper asked Millis to carry the flag up Mount Suribachi and present it at the monument.
Millis replied that he would be honored to assist.
"Who would say no to that kind of opportunity?" Millis said.
So Millis, along with his fellow unit members, traveled to the top of Mount Suribachi and escorted the flag to the epic memorial.
While there, other Marines had their own historical honors to recognize with a series of promotions and awards at the memorial.
"It felt like I was holding a piece of history in my hands," Millis said. "It was really a humbling experience."
Millis returned the flag to Harper, along with a small sample of Iwo Jima's black volcanic sand taken from the now serene and picturesque shorelines.
Harper said that a flag with some "real Marine Corps history" associated with it would make it something the detachment members would be proud to have in their possession.
Harper's act shows a deep understanding of history and pride in service, according to Dorne.
"I personally found his project patriotic and compelling," Dorne added.
"I was never a Marine, but it doesn't prevent me from appreciating the sacrifices Marines made on Iwo Jima or anywhere for that matter," Harper said.
Ellie
Marine enthusiast sends flag to the Sands of Iwo Jima
Lance Cpl. Antwain J. Graham
IWO JIMA, Japan (June 12, 2009) -- Marines from various units of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing visited Iwo Jima, June 1, to walk along the same paths of Marines who fought for the island during World War II.
For Lance Cpl. Paul A. Millis, a crew chief with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st MAW, this journey to Iwo Jima was more than ordinary. Especially considering the special package he took with him.
Prior to his trip, Millis received a package containing an American flag and a letter from Ken Harper, a former U.S. sailor, soldier and an associate member of the Marine Corps League, Detachment 1310, in Lake Dardanelle, Ariz.
The flag was meant to be a gift for the Marines back at Det. 1310.
Since they are a new detachment, they are still trying to get themselves established and set up, Harper said.
"I noticed they didn't have a U.S. flag on hand to which everyone could address colors," he added. "I wanted it to be more than just a flag off a shelf in some store and to have some actual Marine Corps ties."
The flag has already flown over both Marine Corps recruit depots and the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington, Va.
But Harper wanted more.
"I wondered if it might be possible to have it taken to the island of Iwo Jima," he said.
After speaking with Millis' uncle, retired Gunnery Sgt. Dorne Millis, Harper found out that Lance Cpl. Millis was going to Iwo Jima with his unit.
In a letter, Harper asked Millis to carry the flag up Mount Suribachi and present it at the monument.
Millis replied that he would be honored to assist.
"Who would say no to that kind of opportunity?" Millis said.
So Millis, along with his fellow unit members, traveled to the top of Mount Suribachi and escorted the flag to the epic memorial.
While there, other Marines had their own historical honors to recognize with a series of promotions and awards at the memorial.
"It felt like I was holding a piece of history in my hands," Millis said. "It was really a humbling experience."
Millis returned the flag to Harper, along with a small sample of Iwo Jima's black volcanic sand taken from the now serene and picturesque shorelines.
Harper said that a flag with some "real Marine Corps history" associated with it would make it something the detachment members would be proud to have in their possession.
Harper's act shows a deep understanding of history and pride in service, according to Dorne.
"I personally found his project patriotic and compelling," Dorne added.
"I was never a Marine, but it doesn't prevent me from appreciating the sacrifices Marines made on Iwo Jima or anywhere for that matter," Harper said.
Ellie