A Final Landing on Iwo Jima

Yesterday, I had the profound honor of attending the premiere of A Final Landing on Iwo Jima, a powerful “then and now” portrayal of the brutal World War II battle. Narrated by famed sports announcer Jim Nantz, the film follows a 4th Marine veteran and the son of another veteran who was unable to piece together the story of his father’s time there.??

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The film begins with a powerful opening quote: “Bravery is controlled by fear.” This thought lingers throughout the film, underscoring the unimaginable conditions of what one veteran described as a “nightmare in hell.” In just over a month, the battle resulted in over 40,000 casualties. More Medals of Honor were awarded during this battle than any other single engagement in U.S. military history.?

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Despite the fear and carnage, these young men displayed extraordinary courage and character under unthinkable conditions. As they grew older, most carried the memory of Iwo Jima every day but rarely spoke of it.?

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The premiere was at the Country Music Hall of Fame, bringing together a veritable who’s who of Nashville – Jim Nantz, the documentarian, the governor, top business leaders, some entertainment honchos, etc.??

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The most important guest was Captain Edward Cavallini, an infantry platoon commander during the battle. Capt. Cavallini is 101 years old and was joined by one of his four (now adult) kids. He has already outlived his wife of a 75-year marriage and three other children.?

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The evening was filled with tears, laughter, patriotism, standing ovations, and heartfelt hugs. It underscored the critical importance of preserving the stories and lessons from World War II, particularly those from the Pacific Theater. The experience reinvigorated my own commitment to honoring these men and safeguarding their history. As the World War II Museum so aptly puts it, “to give the past a future.”?

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Today, Iwo Jima stands as a solemn reminder of sacrifice, with ongoing efforts to preserve its history and educate future generations. However, as time marches on, the number of surviving veterans from this pivotal battle continues to dwindle. Of the approximately 200 Iwo Jima veterans still with us today, only around 10 might have the ability to return to the island. My goal is to ensure that every veteran who wishes to make this journey can do so.?

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To honor these heroes and ensure their stories endure, I am raising funds to support veterans who wish to return, and for initiatives dedicated to preserving the lessons of World War II history. If you’re interested in contributing, learning more, or getting involved with the Iwo Jima Association of America, please contact me directly. Together, we can help keep the legacy of these brave individuals alive for generations to come.?

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A huge thanks to Will Alexander for including me in this unforgettable evening—an experience I will carry with me always.?