On May 2, 2008, the United States Marine Corps War Memorial Flag Detail participated in a flag presentation at the Barracks. The flag, presented to Barracks CO, Col. W. Blake Crowe, had flown over the Iwo War Memorial in Arlington, VA, and was then taken to Iwo Jima, where it was raised over Mount Suribachi through the efforts of the Young Marines Program, and its Executive Director, Lt. Col. Michael Kessler (USMC, Ret.). ("Iwo Flags" has since disbanded)

Col. Crowe with Iwo Flag's President and CEO, James Donovan, assisted by founding director, Col. Michael McGowan (USMC, Ret.).



2 May 2008, Major William "Mustang" Lee, 1962-1965, presented an IWO FLAG to 1st Sgt. Marcel Lett of "A" Company. He presented this flag, with remarks to the troops in formation, on behalf of the 1963 Drill Team and the CGC troops under his command during 1964 and 1965.

NOTE: At the request of the Museum of the Texas Book Depository in Dallas, Bill Lee gave an oral history of the Drill Team's participation in the various activities related to President Kennedy's funeral . The Museum requested that Bill supply it with some of his JFK-related activities, which are now on display in that Museum. They can be viewed by clicking here.




Pictured are: (l - r) Col. John Donovan, Col. Michael McGowan, Major William Lee, Col. W. Blake Crowe (Barracks CO), 1st Sgt. Marcel Lett (A Company), Jim Donovan, and Robert Manchester, Esq.

The Iwo Flag Detail, in cooperation with the Marine Barracks, Henderson Hall and the National Park Service, ensures that a serviceable American flag is always seen flying over the Iwo Jima Memorial, one of the most treasured icons for Marines and those who have served — and are serving — with them.

In his remarks during the ceremony, Robert Manchester III said the following:

"The present officers and directors of Iwo Flags all served at 8th & I as officers and enlisted-We have all been where you are and are better for it.

We offer this Iwo flag as a means of providing what we hope will serve as a powerful link between the Barracks past, the Barracks present and the Barracks future.

To view the press release for the event, click here. To view the Iwo Flag Detail's Certificate of Appreciation to the 8th & I Reunion Association,

November 10, 2008

From Jim Donovan:

The monthly change of flag was altered slightly for November. The November flag was sponsored by MGySgt Skip Wray. We requested that the change be done on Nov. 10th, the 233rd anniversary of the Corps, also the anniversary of Skip being wounded in action in Vietnam (he also received the Silver Star). It was approved, and the flag Skip sponsored now flies above the War Memorial, as seen in the attached photo below. Afterward, the Birthday Parade was held involving the Commandant, to whom we explained the significance of installing Skip's flag on November 10th.

Skip's flag

Contact us at: 8th&I Reunion Association

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