Iwo Jima Memorial Midwest

BUILD PRESERVE HONOR

Media Press Kit

The following videos, documents and photographs are provided to assist Media outlets in their development of their stories on the Iwo Jima Memorial Midwest Project. Additional Historical and Reference documents, photos and video links provide pertinent information on the Iwo Jima Memorial.
Note that Historical reference will most likely contain information regarding the six originally identified flag-raisers. This has been changed over the past couple years to reflect the two that were misidentified. 
Key feature storyline topics for IJMM Project are the Statue will for the first time have the faces of the actual six Marine flag-raisers in the Rosenthal photograph.

The local Racine Marine Corps League Detachment 346 has been doing the Living Memorial Iwo Jima Tribute float since 1946 (74 years) and this month is the 75th Anniversary of the flag-raising.
Research has also found that the very first statue molded by sculptor Felix De Weldon to start the Project was made from Johnson Floor Wax. Racine, Wi is their National HQ. Various elements are detailed on the website via the “About the Monument” drop down menu.
Wire Service Press Release 

Overview/Promo Materials

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IJMM Project Press Release

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IJMM Project Overview

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IJMM Project Stages

IJMM Project Promo Video 3:38

IJMM Project Intro 3:33

IJMM Project Overview Video

Leatherneck Magazine

January 2020 - Page 38

February 2020 - Page 36

Images and Photos

2020 Flag-raisers

2020 Flag-raisers

2020 Flag-raisers

DeWeldon Table Top

DeWeldon Table Top

DeWeldon Table Top

Felix de Weldon

felix-de-weldon

Felix de Weldon

Flag raising

Flag raising

Flag raising

Harold Pie Keller-new flag raiser

Harold Pie Keller-new flag raiser

Harold Pie Keller-new flag raiser

Harold Schultz-new flagraiser

Harold Schultz-new flagraiser

Harold Schultz-new flagraiser

Sculptor Robert Bricker

Sculptor Robert Bricker

Sculptor Robert Bricker

Battle of Iwo Jima

Battle of Iwo Jima

Battle of Iwo Jima

Battle of Iwo Jima

Battle of Iwo Jima

Battle of Iwo Jima

Battle of Iwo Jima

Battle of Iwo Jima

Battle of Iwo Jima

Battle of Iwo Jima

Battle of Iwo Jima

Battle of Iwo Jima

Battle of Iwo Jima

Battle of Iwo Jima

Battle of Iwo Jima

Battle of Iwo Jima

Battle of Iwo Jima

Battle of Iwo Jima

Battle of Iwo Jima

Battle of Iwo Jima

Battle of Iwo Jima

Easy Company take the flags up Mt. Suribachi

Easy Company take the flags up Mt. Suribachi

Easy Company take the flags up Mt. Suribachi

Living Memorial Marines Det 346

Living Memorial Marines Det 346

Living Memorial Marines Det 346

Overhead Statue shot

Overhead Statue shot

Overhead Statue shot

Rosenthal Gung Ho post raising photo

Rosenthal Gung Ho post raising photo

Rosenthal Gung Ho post raising photo

Sculptor Bricker

Sculptor Bricker

Sculptor Bricker

Stars and Stripes on Mount Suribachi (Iwo Jima)

Stars and Stripes on Mount Suribachi (Iwo Jima)

Stars and Stripes on Mount Suribachi (Iwo Jima)

Iwo Jima Monument

Iwo Jima Monument

Iwo Jima Monument

Iwo Jima Monument

Iwo Jima Monument

Iwo Jima Monument

Iwo Jima Monument

Iwo Jima Monument

Overhead Statue shot

Overhead Statue shot

Iwo Jima Monument

Iwo Jima Monument

Media Coverage

Today's TMJ4: Veteran group fundraising to build Iwo Jima monument in Racine

Seventy-five years ago, six Marines raised the American flag at Iwo Jima, and now a group of Racine veterans is trying to build its own memorial of the iconic image.

2:05

Historical Video & Reference

Bill Genaust Full flag-raising video reel

This raw, silent footage from Iwo Jima includes some of the most famous motion picture film shot in WWII: the second U.S. flag raising on top of Mount Suribachi. It was filmed by William Homer “Bill” Genaust of Effingham IL (October 12, 1906 – March 4, 1945) a United States Marine Corps combat cameraman. Genaust was later killed in action on Iwo Jima.

6:33

Building of the Monument-Naval History Video

Uncommon Valor: Exemplary documentary looks at the inspiration behind the design of the Marine Corps War Memorial by Felix de Weldon.

Source: Naval History and Heritage Command, Photographic Section, UM-23.

8:28

Restoration of the Iwo Jima Monument

In the late 1940s private funds helped launch the development and construction of the United States Marine Corps War Memorial near Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC. After nearly 70 years, it’s just finished it’s first major restoration.

1:59

US Marine Corps War Memorial

The making of and the meaning behind the massive monument in Arlington, Va.

Close-ups of the Statue and strong voice-over narrative

4:38

Shooting Iwo Jima | World War II Documentary

Documentary on the filming of the Marine Corps famous battle.
Smithsonian Channel Documentary.

46:40

 

Newly Identified Flag-raiser Harold Pie Keller- Daughter Kay Maurer Interview- Martha MacCallum Fox News The story

Interview with Pie Kellers daughter Kay Maurer in 2019 covering her fathers newly identified position as one of the Iwo Jima flag-raisers.

4:02

 

Iwo Jima Memorial Midwest Project, Inc.

Press Release

July 27, 2020 ----Racine, WI

The Iwo Jima Memorial Midwest Project has temporarily put the promotion of the Memorial Statue fundraising on hold until this coming Fall. The Project will still be located at Pritchard Park in Racine, WI. with some modifications.                                                                      

The Project was launched on the 23rd of February, the 75th Anniversary of the flag-raising. “Within the next ten days the Covid pandemic hit. We realized that people would be suffering loss of income, jobs and businesses. Everyone’s priorities have shifted. Potential Corporate sponsors advised us that donation commitments would be delayed.” said John Capriotti, Project Director.

The Project will re-launch in late October, 2020 with a new unique fundraising offer. “Donors can opt to receive a free gift-with-donation. Based on the amount donated, they can receive free IJMM embroidered Jackets, Polo's, Sweatshirts, Collector Posters, Mugs, T-Shirts and other unique items being added soon.”  said Capriotti. Special Corporate Donation packages and Commemorative Bricks will be available.

IJMM is revising the size, design and expense of the Iwo Jima/WW2 Monument and devising phases to add additional smaller monuments for Korea/Vietnam, and Iraq/Afghanistan. Instead of a single statue, each monument will be comprised of a combination of bronze statues and large Laser-Etched granite panels featuring renowned Combat Artist‘s work of the various conflicts. Designs are in process for the first phase Iwo Jima/WW2 combined memorial.

The objective of providing a memorable, attractive and educational monument will still be reached by the collective group of three  Memorials creating a “Veterans Walk” at Pritchard Park. Each will be built through separate fundraising efforts, one after another.

“During our revision stage the IJMM team is urging potential donors to shift contributions to Veteran aide and support groups actively responding to the needs and services of veterans’ and their families during this pandemic; Notable organizations are the Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin, and the Veterans Center-Legacy Museum in Racine” said Nicholas Fasulo a Project Official.

Extending the program to include other Memorials, over time, signifies Racine County resident’s commitment to preserve and honor all their Military Veterans.  Many of whom paid the ultimate price to protect our freedoms.