Words of an Earle

It’s Iwo Jima Flag Day… the anniversary of when that beautiful sight of inspiration appeared on the top of Mt. Suribachi after 5 days of fierce fighting. More heated battle was to continue, but it was a breath of fresh air to see old Glory waving proudly.

I’m still processing notes and interviews from last week’s reunion. It was an incredible time, and even after all these years (78 since the battle) I’m still blown away by the number of survivors that make their first appearance at the reunion, and stories I’m hearing for the first time from vets I’ve grown up with. It’s a wonderful family.

A little while ago I got off the phone with Roy Earle (right), our resident 4th Marine Division veteran and comedian. Roy landed 4th wave with a radio pack and wires to lay. It was no easy task and as bubbly, gregarious, and full of witty sayings as he is today, Roy still won’t go back to Iwo.

“I think those guys who landed in the first assault, those are the ones who don’t want to go back. We saw too much.”

“Even if I push you in a wheelchair?” I asked.

“I don’t think they have roads for wheelchairs on Iwo Jima. But you could carry me on your back!” His chuckle is well known and distinct.

Roy turns 99 in a couple of days. But he’s got some years left in him. I think a lot of that has to do with his perspective. One of his favorite sayings (and mine) is, “My philosophy is people have more fun then anyone.”

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Operation Meatball

Honoring Veterans & Connecting Them With the Youth of Today