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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The veterans on the latest Utah Honor Flight visited one of the most iconic statues in American military history Friday afternoon — the Marine Corps War Memorial, also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial.
World War II Navy veteran and Salt Lake resident Art Hopkinson was stationed on the USS Arkansas off the shore of Iwo Jima in 1945. The battleship battered Japanese fortifications for days, before he and other sailors saw the raising of the flag above Mount Suribaci. That moment brought a rush of excitement for the young sailors. American forces were then able to secure the island.
Friday, Hopkinson shared his memories of that time. Watch the video above to see the interview.
Join KSL Saturday evening as we welcome these heroes home. The party starts with live music and activities at 5:30 p.m. at L-3 Communications, 640 N. 220 West in Salt Lake City. Then cheer on the veterans as they begind to arrive at 6:30 p.m.
