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Continental flies 200 war veterans
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Posted on Mar 13 2001
At least 200 war veterans will be chartered by Continental Airlines to participate in the 56th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima on March 9-16.
Continental Airlines disclosed World War II veterans, family members, historians, and educators are bound for Iwo Jima, Japan to visit historical points of interest on Guam, Saipan, and Tinian.
The tour will be coordinated by Military Historical Tour in Alexandria, Virginia. Participants who will travel from throughout the United States to Guam will board specially-chartered Continental Airlines flight 881 and 883.
The group will leave Guam for Iwo Jima tomorrow to commemorate the sacrifices of American servicemen and Japanese Imperial soldiers who paid the ultimate price during the Second World War.
According to Continental Micronesia president Bill Meehan, this will be the third time that the veterans have traveled to Iwo Jima aboard a Continental jet.
Among the guests on the charter are Medal of Honor recipient Jack Lucas; author James Bradley; historian and writer Steven Ambrose; and Pam Marvin, widow of Lee Marvin, who served in the 4th Marine Division on Saipan.
Also today, at least 50 veterans from the battles of Guam, Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima will be in the Commonwealth as part of their Western Pacific tour.
Veterans Affairs Office Director Jess Muna said the war veterans will hold a memorial services around 11am at the American Memorial Park’s Court of Honor.
Continental Airlines is the fifth largest airline in the US, offering more than 2,200 departures daily to 136 domestic and 93 international destinations.
