The Iwo Jima Project

 



Larry Nielson created his interpretation of the Mount Suribachi flag-raising event (Battle of Iwo Jima, World War II in the Pacific) as a painting on his favored weathered wood.  The date he began the work was, coincidentally, September 10, 2001.  Little did he, or anyone else, know what was to occur the following day.


As we commemorate the the tenth anniversary of that second date of infamy in American history, it is important to note the story behind this highly significant work of art.  A number of persons suggested that a print (six, as it eventuated) of the painting be made with wide borders such that as many Iwo Jima veterans as possible could sign it with their names and identifying information.  This effort has been ongoing now for nearly a decade and few veterans are left with us who have yet to sign.  The six prints bear many hundreds of signatures.  The original painting was presented to President George W. Bush.  The signed prints, it is hoped, will finally be placed in the Smithsonian, the Library of Congress, and other locales.


Larry has been indomitable in his years-long efforts to have battle veterans sign one of the prints and has had considerable success,  but he invites those who have not yet signed to do so.  Those veterans, or their family members, may contact Larry at the email address shown in several places on this website to make mutually suitable arrangements to sign one of the prints.


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