75 Iwo Jima Heroes Sign Artwork Print
October 20, 2002
Salt Lake City, UT
In September of 2001, Larry Nielson of Ephraim, Utah, painted something quite different than his typical western subject on weathered wood. He painted a rendering of the historic raising of the American flag over Iwo Jima during World War II.
What makes this story so powerful and unique is that the artwork has since become a significant living record, signed by 75 of the heroes of the 4th Marine Division who were on Iwo Jima during the legendary battle.
It is no coincidence that Larry Nielson knows Buddy Youngreen (writer/director) and that Buddy knows Keith Renstrom. Keith is now a central figure in the sponsorship of the annual Iwo Jima 4th Marine Division reunion, which was held this year in San Antonio, Texas.
The whole story, from the original idea through the painting's amazing journey, fills us with a purpose to share this remarkable and emotional account.
Nielson had been impressed with the famous Iwo Jima painting and in August, 2001, he started looking for a piece of wood that would lend itself to the image and his artistic style. Yes, Larry uses the lined and weathered texture of aged wood as his canvas.
"I was surprised to find myself so moved to do such a patriotic theme," Nielson mused. "It was just not in the genre [in which] I usually did paintings."
The raising of the flag on Iwo Jima has represented freedom, sacrifice, and American (and indeed) world independence against tyranny for nearly 60 years. That may be part of the reason it impressed Larry so much.
The American flag raising on Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima, took place on February 23, 1945 during the fifth day of battle. The battle continued with increased intensity for a month more. Almost 7,000 Americans were killed in action. Indeed, two of the men raising the flag were killed before the battle ended.
In fact, approximately one-third of all marines killed in action in World War II died at Iwo Jima, making Iwo Jima the battle with the highest number of casualties in Marine Corps history.
There seemed to be a quiet force at work behind this story; it had to do with people and places coming together at just the right time.
Larry continued to work on the Iwo Jima piece-- and finally finished it-- September 10th, 2001. The next day, with the rest of the nation, Larry watched with horror, as terrorist-controlled planes plunged into the World Trade Center, taking the lives of over 3,000 innocent Americans.
Nielson's inspiration, then, was not a coincidence. Just as Americans searched for meaning in this tragedy, that day one answer rested in a piece of wood, with the paint still drying, in Ephraim, Utah.
Initially, Nielson didn't know what to do with the piece. But fate intervened when the painting was seen by a prominent Utahan, who suggested that the painting be donated to the President.
With momentum behind them, Joe Lake, president of the Children's Miracle Network, presented the original painting and the 1st artist's proof to President Bush on April 29th at a fundraiser in L.A.
It seemed only appropriate that this story first came to light during Memorial Day weekend, when our nation paused to consider our honored dead, especially those who have given their lives to preserve freedom.
But the story doesn't end here. Buddy Youngreen introduced Larry to Keith Renstrom. Keith was with the 4th Marine Division on Iwo Jima during the historic battle. When Larry met Keith he was still searching for the meaning behind why he had painted the artwork and was honored to have an opportunity to talk with Keith.
Keith shared many of his experiences on Iwo Jima and also told Larry that he has a small section in a museum of WW2 memorabilia. As Larry heard this, he recalled having the 2nd of 6 prints that were made of the painting in his car. Larry retrieved the print and presented it to Keith, he could think of no greater honor than to give the 2nd print to Keith Renstrom.
Keith was a gunnery sgt. and a member of the 4th Marine Division on Iwo Jima. He told Larry that he was just preparing to attend his 55th reunion in San Antonio. Again destiny played a role, as Keith asked to take a print of the artwork to his reunion; he wanted to have his brothers sign it. Had their meeting occurred even a week later, it would have been too late for this year's reunion. The San Antonio reunion was held the 1st week of September, almost a year to the day that the original painting was finished. Keith has the 2nd print mounted and framed, which he proudly displays in a prominent place in his home.
At the San Antonio reunion Keith obtained a total of 64 signatures from marine heroes that were actually at Iwo Jima at the time. These men, these survivors, these national heroes are now mostly in their 80's. This precious print now has a record of these men, their names, ranks, serial numbers, platoon and company, all signed in their hand.
A separate notebook was kept which also recorded their names, addresses and phone numbers.
When Keith returned to Utah, he gave Larry the signed print. With the signing, a moving piece of artwork took on the life of a living monument to history.
And fate stepped in again. Towards the end of September, Larry talked to a friend from Ephraim who worked for a man who was also on Iwo Jima. This man is Norman Hancock, of Salt Lake City.
Larry found out that Norman did not know Keith and arranged a time for them to meet. Larry and Keith drove to Salt Lake and all three men met for the 1st time at Norman's home. Larry watched as a natural bond instantly developed between these two men, who had shared such an overwhelming experience yet talked like old friends, naming people they knew in common and reminiscing together. For Larry, it was an emotional moment to watch these two men connect so completely.
Keith told Norman about the Iwo Jima artwork that had brought them together and it was again remarkable how fate stepped in. Norman was going to attend his Iwo Jima reunion in Nashville within the week. Keith gave the print to Norman to take to his reunion and when Norman returned there were another dozen signatures on the print.
Larry's strangely inspired painting has become a monument to the courage and contributions of these soldiers.
We would love for the print to be a vehicle to uncover more survivors from all branches of the military service that were involved in Iwo Jima. We hope to get a presentation proof to every survivor who signs their name. We also hope to find a historian and editor who can contact these living heroes and write a history to accompany the men who signed the print.
It always gives us a warm feeling when an artist is inspired to share such a poignant moment in such a powerful way.
It is with enormous pride that we offer this historic print at a price we believe is extremely affordable for the value. This print is a tribute to all the heroes of freedom.
