19 Feb 2019 - Iwo Jima Memorial, Lunch with the Switzers, Prep to Depart Llano Grande

19 Feb 2019

Drizzle, foggy and cool again this morning.  The picture below was taken as we drove to the Iwo Jima Memorial, located at the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen TX.

The Marine Military Academy is a private college prep academy for boys in grades 7–12 plus one year of post-graduate study. Per their web site, they "are the only private school in the world based on the traditions and values of the U.S. Marine Corps." What better a setting for the Iwo Jima Memorial. But the actual memorial is at the Arlington, VA, right? 

The United States Marine Corps War Memorial, aka the Iwo Jima Memorial, is indeed located at Arlington VA. It was based on a photo taken by AP photographer Joe Rosenthal as five Marines raised the flag on Mount Suribachi on February 23, 1945.  

After the war, Dr. de Weldon who was on duty with the Navy at the time, worked over 9 years to create a full-size plaster model. The model was disassembled and taken to Brooklyn NY to be cast in bronze. The pieces were assembled and erected at the Arlington National Cemetery. The original model was retained by Dr. de Weldon.  In October 1981, Dr. de Weldon gifted the original working model to Marine Military Academy as an inspiration to the cadets.

Today marks the 74th anniversary of the Iwo Jima invasion.  Our thoughts are with my dad and my uncle who were both there "at the tip of the spear" with the invasion force. They served with the 4th Marine Division and fought fiercely at the south Pacific islands of Kwajalien, Tinian, Saipan and finally Iwo Jima. 

Brothers:  Bernard C. Schellhase (my uncle) and Lowell E. Schellhase (my father)

Because of the anniversary, there was a parade planned for the afternoon. It was great that we visited the memorial on this day.  We arrived first thing when they opened at 1000 hrs.  We watched a very informative 30 minute movie of the battle of Iwo Jima, and then we toured the museum.

The museum

Some hardware out front

A display inside the room where the movie is played

Weapons display.  I have an M-1 Carbine just like the one displayed here (top)

A display dedicated to Cpl Harlon H. Block who was one of the six who hoisted the flag on Mount Suribachi. 
Cpl Block was killed in action on Iwo Jima a couple weeks later.

More Iwo Jima memorabilia

The gift shop

After the museum we walked to the memorial, which is located across the street near the parade field.  How awesome for these cadets they have this here as a reminder of their heritage.

We departed Harlingen and headed back to the RV for a quick stop t o let Liberty out, and then we drove to the Blue Onion restaurant to meet Jack and Karen Switzer for lunch.  

Jack Switzer and I served together with the 132d Fighter Wing, Iowa Air National Guard in Des Moines.  Jack and I both joined the unit after serving active duty Air Force, Jack in 1976 and me in 1977.   Jack was a vehicle mechanic and so I worked closely with them as I installed radios in many of the vehicles.  He retired in 2002 and has been enjoying the RV life ever since.  Karen and Jack live in Des Moines and winter in either Florida or Texas alternately.  Right now their RV resort is just 5 miles from us here.  We had a great time getting caught up and sharing a meal!

After lunch we came back and started the tear-down process preparing to depart tomorrow.  My sister came over and we talked for a while and then we settled in for the evening to watch both Iowa and Iowa State basketball games.

Tomorrow we will pull chocks here and roll about 0830 hrs, heading for Fort Sam Houston RV Park near San Antonio TX for the next four nights.  We are really glad we were able to make it here and be a part of Karen and Jim's 50th wedding anniversary.  Doreen reminded me our's is not all that far away!!

Next report, Fort Sam Houston RV Park, San Antonio TX!