On June 9, 2024, the Elks Lodge 1010 of Bristol, Ct., held their annual Flag Day event to honor the American flag. The event started with the raising of an American flag, which flew over the island of Iwo Jima between 2005 and 2006. The flag was given to Joe Caminiti, a World War II veteran and an Iwo Jima survivor, in 2006. Joe witnessed the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima during the Battle for Iwo Jima. Joe’s words were, “It is about time.”
The American Legion Post 2 honor guard planned to perform a rifle volley for the Flag Day even and an Eagle Scout from Pack 425 was supposed to play taps. Due to rain, this part of the ceremony was canceled. The remaining portion of the Flag Day ceremony was held inside the Elks Lodge Hall.
The guest speaker was American Legion Post 2's historian. He talked about Joe Caminiti, the history of the American flag, and the specific history of the flag that flew over Iwo Jima almost 20 years ago. Post 2's historian began by telling everyone that Joe had suffered a fall earlier in the week, breaking something in his hip. Joe underwent a procedure to fix his hip and was home by Friday. He described how Joe woke up and watched the doctor perform the procedure. Joe recovered quite well and was able to attend the Flag Day ceremony, standing tall in the Elks Lodge on Sunday with his walker.
Officers of the Elks Lodge 1010 re-quilted Joe with a quilt he received two years before from Quilts of Valor of Connecticut. Quilts of Valor only issue one quilt per person. This quilt was made by a quilter in Virginia and shipped to Connecticut. The quilter requested that it be given to a special veteran. Joe Caminiti was picked to receive the quilt. Joe wanted to share this special moment with friends who weren't able to see it the first time he was presented with this special quilt. He was re-quilted with the help of the Interim Police Chief and the officers of the Elks Lodge.
Those who attended the Flag Day ceremony got to hear about Joe's involvement with Bells for Peace, along with participation in Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and Veterans Day. Joe also helped put together the Missing Man Table for the "End of World War II" event. Attendees also got to hear about the special paintings of Joe Caminiti and where to find them. These paintings can be found in the Bristol Library, the Bristol Memorial Military Museum and in a museum at Camp Pendleton.
The event concluded with the Elks presenting a plaque to Joe.
