On March 25th, 2017, the Young Marines and adult leaders assisted Iwo Jima Veterans on a trip to Guam and Iwo Jima. Every year, this trip symbol- izes the past and future joining together in honor and remembrance of the battle on Iwo Jima in 1945. As our organization supports this impor- tant trip each year with the veterans who fought, we are calling on our members to support another cause, the efforts of Iwo Jima Veterans, Dale Cook and Floyd Hunter, to name a Navy ship after Joe Rosenthal. On February 24, 1945, Rosenthal accompanied a group of Marines up Mount Suribachi for the second flag raising, like he had done so in the past under dangerous conditions. On this specific day, the iconic picture of the flag raising on Iwo Jima was taken by Rosenthal after much blood shed made on the days prior to the picture. The flag raising at Iwo Jima became a symbol of victory for Allied Forces in WWII, gaining a strategic advantage. Beyond the victory, the photo also became a symbol of the war and the United States Marine Corps. It is recognizable to many Americans today. The Young Marines honors this iconic event in our shoulder patch and shield devices. Since the Flag raising, Rosenthal has said, “I took the picture, but the Marines took Iwo Jima.”With the same motives, Cook and Hunter believe that Joe Rosenthal should be recognized in honor of the Iwo Jima Marines who fought for our country by petitioning the Secretary of the Navy to name a ship after Rosenthal. To participate in this online petition, go to www.USSJoe.org. This website has more information about Rosenthal’s story and has a platform for sign- ing the petition. Anyone can sign the petition. Please feel free to share the website with your friends. A Call to Action 30 YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT In Our Next Issue of Esprit: Our next issue will feature unit reports about Memorial Day, Flag Day and more Summer 2017 activities from Young Ma- rines units around the country. Send us your stories, and don’t forget to send us plenty of photos! Please Note Our NEW ADDRESS: Young Marines National Headquarters 17739 Main Street, Suite 250 Dumfries, Virginia 22026