Iwo Jima survivors victory ride honors World War II veterans

#VETERANS

National Iwo Jima Memorial in New Britain, Conn.

The 7th Annual Iwo Jima Survivors Victory Ride, presented by Support Our Survivors of Iwo Jima and the Iwo Jima Memorial Historical Foundation Inc., will take place Sunday, May 22, in New Britain, Conn. This event will gather motorcyclists and veterans of all ages, especially those of the “Greatest Generation” who served during World War II. Anyone wishing to honor our heroes is welcome to attend; a motorcycle is not required.

This years’ Poker Ride will begin inside the VFW on Veterans Drive in New Britain, Conn. and will be held rain or shine. Cars are welcome to participate in the Poker Run, and walk-ins are welcome. Lunch will be served after the ride, and the party will include a DJ, trophies, 50/50 raffles and other prizes.

Registration from 8:15 to 10 a.m. will be followed by opening ceremonies and kickstands up at 11 a.m. Motorcycle riders and those wanting to participate in the Poker Hand are $20 each, motorcycle passengers $10 and walk-ins $15 each.

The Victory Ride Event will include a ceremony at the National Iwo Jima Memorial to remember and honor the WWII veterans of Operation Thank You. The purpose of Operation Thank You is to officially and properly recognize the service and sacrifices made by all World War II veterans who served.

All WWII vets and a guest are invited to attend free and each vet will receive VIP treatment, goodie bags, and special gifts from a welcoming committee of volunteers. Many of the Survivors of the Battle of Iwo Jima are expected to attend as well as many WWII veterans of other significant battles from the European and Pacific Campaigns. Any WWII Vets wanting to attend are asked to preregister. Contact information is at the end of this article.

Rene Gagnon Jr. will be the special guest speaker. He is the son of one of the six men who raised the flag on Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima. That image, taken by Joe Rosenthal, has become the symbol of WWII and the Marines. There will also be a World War II military memorabilia display and a special unveiling of an upcoming project that will be announced at the ride.

The mission of the foundation is to maintain the National Iwo Jima Memorial Monument, perpetuate and honor the memory of those American servicemen who fought and died in the battle and educate others about the WWII Battle of Iwo Jima. Support Our Survivors of Iwo Jima supports the mission started by the Iwo Jima Survivors Association and provides educational programs about the Battle of Iwo Jima, World War II and honors the memory of those who fought and died. Proceeds from the ride will go to support this mission.

For more information, visit our Facebook page at “7th Annual Iwo Jima Survivors Victory Ride / Operation Thank You” or contact Gary Roy at 860-291-9666.