Remembering how the Boots Thomas memorial came to be

Morry Sledge Guest Columnist  February 23, 2026, was the first time that no big gathering took place to commemorate Boots Thomas leading his platoon up Mount Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima, in WWII, to plant the first American flag on Japanese soil. It was the 81st anniversary of this heroic feat. It's also the first year my father, Jim Sledge, who spearheaded the push for Boots' memorial, along with much help, was not there as he passed last year. Boots and my father were best friends