Save the Date and mark your calendars now. The 8th Annual Iwo Jima Survivors Victory Ride will be held May 21, 2017, Rain or Shine. The ride is organized by the Iwo Jima Survivors Association and Support Our Survivors of Iwo Jima (SOS). Proceeds from the this year’s ride go towards replacement of the Iwo Jima Living Memorial which is located along Route 9 adjacent to the National Iwo Jima Memorial Monument and to support the Iwo Jima Museum educational programs.

The National Iwo Jima Memorial is the only flag raising monument in the nation built by survivors of the Battle of Iwo Jima. The memorial was built in memory of their 6,821 comrades who perished during that bloody 36-day battle of World War II. In 1992, Iwo Jima Survivors were successful in getting the area of Route 9 adjacent to the memorial designated the Iwo Jima Memorial Expressway and 100 trees were planted in memory of the 100 Connecticut Servicemen who were killed in the battle. Now, 25 years later, most of the trees have died and the Survivors wish to replace each living memorial.

This year’s ride is special for additional reasons. This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the formation of the Iwo Jima Survivors Association. We are pleased to announce our returning special guest is Rene Gagnon Jr. and his family. Rene Gagnon Jr. is the son of Rene Gagnon who was one of six men who raised the second flag on top of Mt. Suribachi, Battle of Iwo Jima. Come hear Rene talk about his Dad and the impact the Battle and famous Rosenthal photo had on him. A special unveiling is planned in honor of Iwo Jima Survivor and Army Veteran, Frank Zuraski. Mr. Zuraski suffered a heart attack and died while helping to clear the land to build the Iwo Jima Memorial. There will be another dedication in honor of Navy Corpsman and Iwo Jima Survivor, Stanley Dabrowski, who recently passed. There will also be a ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil the completed Iwo Jima / World War II Traveling Museum. This is the ONLY traveling WWII self-contained museum of its kind in the U.S.A.! All WWII Veterans will take part in the ribbon cutting and the museum will be open for viewing.

The Mission of the Iwo Jima Survivors Association is to perpetuate the memory of those who fought and died on Iwo Jima and to educate others about WWII and the importance of the battle. OPERATION THANK YOU will pay tribute to all World War II Veterans who are invited to attend FREE as Guests of Honor for the day and will receive special VIP treatment. Come meet and speak with these Heroes of World War II. Contact us for more information and a RSVP form.

We are truly grateful for the support of the motorcycle community. The Iwo Jima Survivors Victory Ride will be a Poker Run and begin at the VFW Post 511 on 41 Veterans Drive in New Britain, CT. A cookout luncheon will follow the ride and will include grand prize for best poker hand, raffles, DJ entertainment and trophies including one for Most Represented Club. The poker run is open to all motorcycles and cars. Walk-ins who want to take part in the celebrations are also welcome. In case of rain, all poker cards can be pulled inside the VFW. Thank you to our wonderful sponsors who include Haymond Law, advertising sponsor Don Clady of Connecticut Cruise News, Anthony Strong, the Proud Few MC, Hoffman’s Gun Center, Papa’s Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, breakfast by Dunkin Donuts and door prizes by Hot Leathers.

Volunteers and Sponsors are NEEDED so please contact us if you can help. Call Victory Ride Chairman, Gary Roy, at 860-291-9666 or email us at SOSIwoJima@yahoo.com. Ride details to be posted on our “8th Annual Iwo Jima Survivors Victory Ride” Facebook page.