Feb 19, 2006 8:54 pm US/Central
'The Last Flagraiser' Honored At Fort Snelling
by Maya Nishikawa
Minneapolis (WCCO) ―
The man called "The Last Flagraiser" was honored Sunday at a military ceremony marking the 61st anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima.
Most people know about the famous flag raising during the battle or have seen the famous photo. The famous photo was of the second flag raised that day ... a replacement flag.
Chuck Lindberg, from Richfield, Minn., is the last living member of the six Marines who originally raised the first American flag on Mount Suribachi at Iwo Jima. The first flag raising was a major accomplishment during the long, bloody battle.
WCCO-TV told viewers about Lindberg's story a year ago in the documentary "The Last Flagraiser." The documentary unraveled the true story of an American hero, passed over by history.
The chapel's motto is "where veterans are remembered". But it is difficult to remember a war hero most of the public's never heard of.
Lindberg said, "We tied a flag to it. We found the highest spot we could find and we raised it. Then the island came alive. The troops down below started to cheer ... it was a very proud moment."
Lindberg has been sharing his story of the first flag raising for years, but it wasn't until recently he's been widely recognized.
Lindberg was honored at the Fort Snelling Chapel Sunday as he shared his historic account with other veterans. Some of them were there on Iwo Jima and were inspired by his bravery.
Iwo Jima veteran Warren Pennig said, "I was absolutely amazed when got to that point and they put the flag up. I thought we're getting somewhere ... it was exhilarating. It was wonderful. It was beyond description really."
Just the thought of the flag atop Mount Suribachi stirs deep emotions.
Though it's more than 60 years later, people lined up to meet Lindberg and get his signature on the photo of the original flag raising.
They also came to say a belated thank you for a job well done.
Iwo Jima veteran DeVon Bangerter said, "He certainly deserves it because it was a tough climb. He deserves every bit of recognition he can get."
The Marine Corps has recognized Lindberg and the others for that moment in history, though it's the other image that's been made into a memorial.
An artist's drawing of Lindberg from the Battle of Iwo Jima is being sold to help raise money for a World War II Memorial in Richfield.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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