WWII Veterans Return to Pacific Battlefields for 80th Anniversary and Historic U.S.-Japan "Reunion of Honor" Ceremony

NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, the Eagle Society is honored to support the Iwo Jima Association of America in escorting seven World War II veterans back to the Pacific battlefields. The veterans will travel to Iwo To (formerly Iwo Jima), where they will participate in the Reunion of Honor Ceremony, and continue to Okinawa, Japan, to commemorate with Walter LaSota, a Battle of Okinawa veteran.

Next week's ceremony brings together former enemies who are now the strongest of allies. More than 18,500 Japanese and 6,800 American lives were lost in the Battle of Iwo Jima, with the ceremony a solemn reminder of the enormous sacrifices. Okinawa, the final and bloodiest battle of the war, saw more than 12,000 American and 100,000 Japanese and Okinawan lives lost. For many veterans, returning to these sites offers a powerful opportunity for reflection, healing, and closure.

World War II veterans making this journey include CSM Delmar D. Beard (US Army) from Glendale, AZ; Joe Caminiti (USMC) from Bristol, CT; Capt. Ed Cavallini (USMC) from Seaside, CA; Charles Cram (US Navy) from San Diego, CA; Nils Mockler (USMC) from Putnam Valley, NY; Frank Wright (USMC) from Lodi, CA; Lt. j.g. Patrick Zilliacus (USNR) from Playa Del Rey, CA; and Walter LaSota (USMC – Okinawa Veteran) from Reading, PA.

The trip begins by visiting the Battle of Guam site where U.S. forces liberated the island in 1944. Travel continues to Iwo To for the 80th anniversary commemoration and Reunion of Honor Ceremony, attended by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Their journey concludes in Okinawa, visiting the USMC base.

Eagle Society's founder, Michael Davidson, is known for honoring and supporting veterans. He organizes trips to educate today's leaders on American history, heroes, and heritage. Davidson has taken veterans to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, but this is the first journey of this scale in the Pacific. Given the advanced age of many veterans, he explains the trip's importance:

"We're losing our WWII veterans daily, and with them, I fear we're also losing the hard-earned lessons they fought valiantly to teach us. Our Pacific War veterans, in particular, remind us that duty, honor, and country are not just words - they're a call to action, especially amid rising geopolitical conflict and clashing worldviews. This journey offers a profound opportunity to reflect, honor their sacrifices, and recommit to being better citizens. The Eagle Society is dedicated to preserving these heroes' stories, so future generations not only remember but apply their lessons to today's challenges."

To interview veterans or Eagle Society representatives, contact Aaron Tesauro at [email protected], (530) 806-7444.

About Eagle Society: Eagle Society is a 501(c)(3) impact accelerator that leverages networks and transformative leadership experiences inspired by America's founding vision to foster a renewed commitment to civic life.

SOURCE Eagle Society