FLEMINGSBURG — The Franklin Sousley VFW Post 1843 in Flemingsburg will be hosting a ceremony to honor the 74th anniversary of the flag raising at Iwo Jima during World War II on Sunday, Feb. 24.
VFW Post member Billy Watkins said this ceremony has been held for several years, since well before he became a member of the post in 2008.
“The Marine Corps League started this because this post is named after him (Sousley), and because he’s a local hero,” he said.
Sousley, a native of Fleming County fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II, was among one of the six Marines who raised an American flag on Mount Suribachi on Feb. 23, in the iconic picture taken by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal. Sousley was killed in action on March 21, 1945, and was buried in the Elizaville Cemetery on May 8, 1945.
Watkins said that lunch will be served at the VFW Post, with the ceremony proper being held at the Elizaville Cemetery with a flag raising and 21-gun salute. People are also encouraged to speak in honor of Sousley and those who have served.
According to Watkins, the Marine Corps League originally held and perpetuated the annual ceremony, before passing on the duty to the Franklin Sousley Post. He said the post does what it can to continue the tradition of honoring a historical moment for both the community and the nation.
“Franklin Sousley means a lot to the community and the other veterans because of what he’s done and what he’s sacrificed,” Watkins said. “All veterans are behind him 100 percent.”
Lunch will be served on Sunday at the Franklin Sousley VFW Post 1843 at 1 p.m. The flag raising ceremony will be conducted at 3 p.m.
