On March 10, 2024, The American Legion Post 2 hosted its second Iwo Jima / World War Veterans Reunion at the Bristol Public Library. Five World War II veterans were present, one of which is an Iwo Jima survivor. All five are members from Post 2.
In 2023, artist Don Scott presented Joe Caminiti, Iwo Jima survivor and member of Post 2, a painting he did of Joe. Fast-forward to Feb. 19, 2024, Don finished a painting of Thomas Begay, one of three living Navajo Code Talkers. We just learned both paintings are connected.
Two years ago, Joe Caminiti attended an event put on by the World War II Legacy Foundation. Navajo Code Talker Thomas Begay was to speak at the event, but due to health reasons, was unable to attend. Thomas called the hall and had it put on the PA system. To honor his fellow Iwo Jima survivors (there were two present, one of whom was Joe). Thomas sang the Marine Corp. Hymn in his native tongue over the phone.
Don Scott interviewed both Joe and Thomas and found out that the two men had crossed paths and did not even know it. They both were in the 10th wave for the landing on Iwo Jima. If Thomas happened to have looked forward, he would have seen Joe’s Tractor. That is what that landing craft was called.
Both operated out of the same airfield. Both witnessed the raising of the American flag on Iwo Jima from the same angle. Both pulled guard duty every night, different times and locations but both lasted the same. Both were on Iwo Jima the same number of days. Both served in the Korean War.
On March 10, 2024, Joe saw the face of Thomas for the first time, a fellow Iwo Jima survivor.
The highlight of the displays on March 10, was a flag. This flag was raised in 2005 over the island of Iwo Jima. In 2006, it was presented to Joe Caminiti aboard the USS Iwo Jima. It was used by the Gold Star Family Memorial Monument. It was then returned to Joe who flew the flag at the American Legion Post 2 in honor of fellow veterans and those lost on Iwo Jima. The flag was folded by the Legion honor guard and presented to the Memorial Military Museum where it is today.
The flag will be part of a special Flag Day ceremony where Joe Caminiti, who turns 100 in October, is going to be honored.
ELK's Lodge 1010 plans to honor Caminiti in June.