Return to Iwo

When Steven Speilberg made the film "Saving Private Ryan", one of the reasons he did so was to honor the men who fought in that war. He used the D-Day invasion as his topic for that honor. But World War II was a global war, fought on many fronts by many people of all ages and races. This past week there have been ceremonies on an island in the Pacific that was the location of one of the most famous pictures taken during that conflict. It has been the suject of movies, television shows, books and even was on a postage stamp. The battle I am referring to was fought on the island of Iwo Jima, and part of the legacy of that battle is the subject of today's Family First Site.

The is called Return to Iwo. It is the journey of Teddy Draper, a Navajo Codetalker from Canyon de Chelly, Arizona, to the islands of Iwo Jima, Guam, and Hawaii. Early in his life, he was one of the few Native American soldiers who served in the United States Marine Corps utilizing his native Navajo language to become one of the greatest weapons used in World War II. This historical visit brings Mr. Teddy Draper back to Iwo Jima where he was wounded as a soldier.

"Were it not for the Navajos, the Marines would never have taken Iwo Jima."
-Major Howard Connor,
5th Marine Division Signal Officer

At this site, you will learn about not only the battle at Iwo Jima, but you will also learn about the Code Talkers and their success in World War II. You will also learn about the "Dine", or the "People", as the Navajo call themselves. Their culture and beliefs are deep rooted in the history of the Southwestern United States, and are a part of our nations history. You also find about about Mr. Draper and his service in World War II. But what is most exciting is his return to the island where he was wounded.

The Arizona Memorial Museum Association (AMMA) has planned a live videoconference from Guam featuring special guest, former U.S. Marine and Navajo Codetalker Teddy Draper, Sr. During this Military Historical Tour of Guam, Saipan and Iwo Jima, Mr. Draper will discuss his experience in returning to islands; particularly of interest is Iwo Jima where he was wounded during World War II.

On March 14th (today), you can participate in a live video conference with Mr. Draper. This video conference is to help people in general become familiar with the aspects of World War II in the Pacific. Through video conferencing links, students from the Chamorro (Guam), Hawaii, the Navajo Nation (Arizona, Utah and New Mexico) and Minnesota will have an opportunity to interact with Mr. Draper by asking questions. This conference is sponsored by Arizona Memorial Museum Association, The National Park Service, Dine College, the Navajo Nation, and the Digital Equity Network.

As you follow Mr. Draper’s journey, the complex social forces that the Navajo American Indians faced during WWII will be investigated. The re-traced crossing from familiar, sacred land to strange, brutal warfare will expose students today with a personal experience 60 years in the past. This passage will help them connect with a war that is becoming more history and less reality as fewer and fewer of America’s warriors remain. Mr. Draper is a true American hero, and you will be able to follow his journey here, both in real time, and on a delayed basis on the website. There is also a film being prepared that will focus on his journey on a more personal level.

http://returntoiwo.org/

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