Annual event to mark first U.S. flag raised on Iwo Jima set for Feb. 23

CDR Troy G. Avera Jr. USN (Ret.) “Boots” Thomas Veterans Memorial Park Foundation The 80th Anniversary Commemoration of the First United States Flag raised on Iwo Jima, Japan, is set for Sunday, Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. at the “Boots” Thomas Veterans Memorial Park, located at 930 W. Washington St. All veterans and other interested persons are encouraged to attend and recognize the heroism of “Boots” Thomas's and our local World War II veterans. On Feb. 23, 1945, after his Platoon Officer was put out of action by injury, 20-year-old Sargent Thomas led his squad fighting their way to the top of Mount Suribachi and raised the first United States Flag on Japanese soil. When the amphib