U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Andrew Thomasson is splashed by water as he fulfills his promise to his family and lays his grandfather’s ashes to rest on Iwo Jima’s Invasion Beach in Iwo Jima (now named Iwo To), Japan, Aug. 28, 2012. During the Battle for Iwo Jima, Thomasson’s grandfather, U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Oscar Thomasson, was aboard a landing craft that was destroyed while making its way to the island during the U.S. forces’ initial assault. The senior Thomasson survived the battle and went on to raise a family in Kansas, ultimately passing away Dec. 22, 2006 at the age of 80. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Daniel Sanford)
CODA: Inspired by Ron Beasley’s beautiful “Out of this World” photos, this is the second photo on what will be a continuing series of photos that depict and reflect the dedication, sacrifice and loyalty of our service men and women: “honor, duty, country.”
The author is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and a writer.