As the Marine Hymn was sung and old history was shared, new history was made when three former U.S. Marines reminisced together and signed a historic painting of WWII's Iwo Jima on Thursday, Nov. 8, to commemorate Veterans Day.

On Sept. 8, 2001, artist Larry Nielson was inspired to use an old piece of wood to depict the stirring scene of the raised U.S. flag by Marines at Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima, on Feb. 23, 1945 during the fifth day of battle.

Iwo Jima was a crucial site in WWII because damaged aircrafts could crash-land there. After one month of intense battle, approximately 7,000 Americans were killed in action, but approximately 27,000 men were spared.

"That's what we were trying to do," said former Marine Gunnery Sergeant Keith Renstrom. "To fight with all that we possibly could do to kill the enemy, and make a better America."

Former Marine Dean Gurr said Iwo Jima was not a good place to be at that time in history.

"I was right in the middle of bullets," Gurr said. "There was no way that I could get out of that situation unless it was my Heavenly Father that helped me because I was really under fire."

"They [the soldiers] are responsible to a great part for our freedoms," Nielson said. "They were the ones who sacrificed and they are the ones that deserve the attention that we need to give them."

Nielson finished the painting the night before 3,000 innocent Americans in Washington D.C. and New York City were killed by terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001.

"I didn't really know why I painted it," Nielson said. "I was just filled with such a strong emotion, especially on Sept. 11th, when I went to the garage and realized what I had done."

The painting has become significantly famous, signed by over 75 heroes from the 4th Marine Division of soldiers who fought at Iwo Jima, and finally presented to President George W. Bush in April.

"These are forgotten American heroes," Nielson said. "These guys are the true spirit of America and they are with us still."

Nielson got tears in his eyes as he watched the heroes sign his historic painting.

"It's a bonding," Nielson said. "It was for a purpose, to be exposed to the world so they will know who these heroes are, so they will remember."

Neilson's colleague said these men did something meaningful by sacrificing their lives for their country.

"Why do we get movie stars' signatures," he said. "What do they do for their country?"

Copyright Brigham Young University 11 Nov 2002