A Look Back at February 23rd, 2012

Today is the anniversary of the “Flag Raising on Iwo Jima” and is dedicated to Robert Olson and to all the veterans who fought there.

Robert Olson turned 21 in January of 1945 and just completed training to be a Navy Corpsman.  A month later he found himself on an eight square mile Island in the South Pacific called Iwo Jima where he served as a Medic in one of the bloodiest battles of the Pacific War.  When it was over, some thirty-six days later, nearly 7,000 American Marines were killed and over 19,000 were wounded.  Of the 22,000 Japanese soldiers on the Island who were given orders to never surrender, only 216 were alive at the end.

On this day, Sixty-seven years ago, five Marines and a Navy Corpsman raised the American Flag on Mount Surabachi in what became a symbolic victory for those American Marines and Servicemen fighting on the Island of Iwo Jima.  In addition, the photograph taken of this historic event became one of the most significant and recognizable images of WWII. 

Today Bob is 88 years old and suffers from cancer and diabetes and the ill effects of some strokes and yet remains steadfast and truly is one of the finest gentlemen I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing.  In a conversation shared with me two years ago he said, “Although this was a long time ago, the faces of those men remain so fresh in my mind.”  For sixty-seven years the images of Iwo Jima have haunted Bob in the recurring nightmares that have never gone away.

Bob shared an email yesterday and he writes, “Those of us clinging on the crest of Suribachi will never forget all the horns and shouting from the ships when they saw our flag waving.  I was worried that it would bring out the snipers from their caves.  My stretcher-bearers and I would have one hell-of-a time carrying casualties down that mountain, as we had to crawl to the top, the paths up were probably mined.  We took our flag down when the larger one was raised.  Col. Johnson, 28th Regimental commander said he wanted that flag as it belonged to the 28th.  It was truly a great day, too bad as the battle was going to really get hot and costly.  Thank you for being my friend.”

May God Bless Robert Olson and the veterans of Iwo Jima!

Bobby Plough had an unforgettable Induction Ceremony into our club this past September.  From her vocational talk, we remember how she humbly gave great credit to her parents for her education. This past summer she moved up from San Diego and became the Superintendent of Santa Clara Unified School District.  She brings a great sense of professionalism and passion to her job and as well as to Santa Clara Rotary and we are a better club because she is part of it. 

Bobbie shared with us some wonderful quotes on leadership.  The Honorable Mike Honda led the club in the pledge.

The Resolution that Congressman Honda wrote for our clubs 75^th was shared with the membership.

George and Joe shared with us about our “Rebuilding Together” project, which will take place on April 28.  The Rotary Club of Santa Clara will spend the day fixing and sprucing up a home in Santa Clara where the owner does not have the physical or financial means of doing so.  We will be working inside and outside of the home doing what is necessary so the living conditions will be more dignified.  Great Project guys and the club is behind you.

On March 15 we will be meeting at Mission College where Laurel will be our host for the day.  Maps of where to park and location of our meeting will be distributed at the club and by email.

Blue Badges were presented to Lidia and Gerry by Bob who let us all know that the Jan Eric Nordmo’s record is safe an intact.  Congratulation’s to Lidia and Gerry and thank you for bringing your energy and enthusiasm to Santa Clara Rotary.

Ted gave us a recap on the beautiful services that were held for Vicki.  Over 400 attending Vicki’s service including a good number of Rotarians.  Gary extends his love and appreciation for all of our thoughts, prayers and well wishes and he hopes to visit us in the near future.  God Bless you Gary!

Please note the Eye Section of the Mercury News where our club participated in a Rotary Public Image Campaign.  Our ad will be repeated next Thursday, March 01 and again on March 08.

Easy celebrated on birthday on February 20, but for sneaking in late to the meeting became a member of our $50 Club.  Easy is so proud to announce that his son may be following in his soccer footsteps!  Happy Birthday Easy!

Marty Blair has his bride Marian celebrated 65 years of marriage on February 23!

In the Jokers Wild, Bill looked for “the most trustworthy and honest person” in the room and could look no further than visiting Congressman, Mike Honda who pulled Ted’s winning number out of the hat, but Ted came up a loser only winning a cheap bottle of wine.  The Pot will eclipse the $1,000 mark this week!

Assistant Chief Mike introduced Congressman Mike Honda who spoke about STEM Legislation (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)  We enjoyed your visit Mike and we missed out on the most important question and that is, “Who are you going to vote for President in the next election?”

This week we will hear from Mike O’Leary, VP of Business Services Comcast California.  Mark is responsible for a statewide team that provides data, telecommunications and video products to the commercial market. 

Important Upcoming Dates:

March 07, Cabinet Meeting at DoubleTree 5:30 p.m.

March 14, Board Meeting at Marianis 7:30 a.m.

March 15, Regular Lunch Meeting at Mission College

April 05, Campo De Bocce  (Dark for regular meeting)