Summary:
The Iowa Goldstar Museum at Camp Dodge in Johnston is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima with a special event on Saturday. The event will feature presentations on the equipment and weapons used during the beach landing, as well as the story of an Iowa Marine involved in the famous flag raising on Mount Siribachi.
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In a tribute to history and heroism, the Iowa Goldstar Museum at Camp Dodge in Johnston is set to host a special event this Saturday commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. The event promises a poignant journey back in time, shedding light on the valor, sacrifice, and indomitable spirit of the brave men who fought on the shores of that iconic island. As visitors step into the museum, they will be greeted by a sense of reverence and remembrance that permeates the hallowed halls.
Unveiling History: Equipment and Weapons from the Battle
One of the highlights of the event is a presentation by Goldstar curator Mike Vogt, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. As a custodian of history, Vogt will delve into the intricacies of the equipment and weapons utilized during the pivotal beach landing on February 19th, 1945. Through his engaging discourse, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the tools that shaped the outcome of one of the most significant battles of World War II.
“What lessons had been learned, what had worn out, what had been tried and true, what was, what was quality, standard equipment that aided the Marines in their campaign on the island,” Vogt muses, setting the stage for a riveting exploration of the past. His insights promise to transport listeners back to a time when bravery knew no bounds and sacrifice was the ultimate testament to courage.
Untold Stories: The Iowa Marine and the Flag Raising
Another compelling narrative awaits visitors at 1 o’clock, with Brent Westermeyer taking center stage to share the remarkable tale of an Iowa Marine’s involvement in the historic flag raising on Mount Siribachi at Iwo Jima. The discovery of Harold Keller from Brooklyn as one of the unsung heroes behind the iconic flag-raising moment adds a layer of poignancy to the event.
“Harold Keller, who was identified about ten years ago as being one of the flag raisers on the second flag raising on Iwo Jima a few days after the Marines hit the beach, he had gone sort of undiscovered, unidentified,” Westermeyer reveals, underscoring the significance of bringing to light the untold stories of valor and sacrifice. Through snapshots and photographic evidence, attendees will be transported back to a moment frozen in time, immortalized in one of the most iconic images of World War II.
As the event unfolds, the audience will learn of Keller’s humble nature, his reluctance to boast about his role in the photograph, and the serendipitous discovery of documents that shed light on his silent heroism. From a company newsletter reference to a poignant letter sent back to Iowa, Keller’s journey from anonymity to recognition serves as a poignant reminder of the unsung heroes who shaped the course of history.
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As the echoes of history reverberate through the halls of the Iowa Goldstar Museum, the event promises a poignant tribute to the valor and sacrifice of those who fought on the shores of Iwo Jima. From the gripping narratives of individual heroism to the broader strategic significance of the battle, visitors will be immersed in a tapestry of stories that illuminate the human spirit in the face of adversity. The event is a testament to the enduring legacy of those who laid down their lives for freedom and serves as a poignant reminder of the price of liberty.
The Museum doors swing open at 10 a.m. on Saturday, welcoming visitors to a journey through time and remembrance. With reenactors showcasing period uniforms, a special exhibit honoring the fallen, and a sense of reverence that permeates the air, the event is a poignant ode to the past. As attendees step into the museum, they are not just spectators but participants in a shared journey of remembrance and reflection.
The event is open to the public, offering a rare opportunity to connect with history and pay homage to the brave souls who fought on the shores of Iwo Jima. As visitors make their way to Camp Dodge through the south side entrance, a sense of solemnity and gratitude will accompany them, a reminder of the debt owed to those who sacrificed everything for the freedoms we hold dear. So, come one, come all, and join hands in honoring the heroes of Iwo Jima, whose legacy lives on in the annals of history.
