03-04-2025
Groesbeck teen escorts, honors WWII Marines at Iwo Jima
GROESBECK, Texas (FOX 44) – A Groesbeck teenager was among twelve Young Marines from across the country who traveled to Guam and Iwo Jima to honor the 80th anniversary of the World War II Battle of Iwo Jima.
Leighanna Mackey got to plant a flag on Mt. Suribachi. She was part of a select group of Young Marines who climbed the mountain at saw the location of the flag raised by United States Marines at Iwo Jima, where the famous photo was taken during this battle.
Honoring our 6,821 fallen U.S. Marines at Iwo Jima were eleven 2024 and 2025 Division Young Marines of the Year from across the U.S. as well as Mackey who is the recipient of the Jimmy Trimble Award. This Young Marines says this award is presented annually to someone who exemplifies the fine qualities of James 'Jimmy' Trimble III, a star athlete who passed up the opportunity to play professional baseball to serve his country in the Marines during World War II. Focused and dedicated to serving his country, he remained in combat. He died at age 19 on March 1, 1945, on Iwo Jima.
'As a retired Marine, standing atop Mt. Suribachi with these Young Marines is more than a privilege—it's a living tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who fought here in 1945. Watching them reenact the raising of the flag reminds us that the legacy of Iwo Jima isn't just history, it's a torch being passed to the next generation,' said Col William P. Davis USMC (Ret), national executive director and CEO of the Young Marines.
According to the Young Marines, the flags were donated by Allegiance Flags USA and were taken to the top of Mt. Suribachi by each of the twelve Young Marines – where they planted the flags honoring the 1945 battle where the famous photo of U.S. Marines planting the flag on Mt. Suribachi took place. After the reenactment, the flags were returned by the Young Marines to Young Marines National Headquarters, for use at their discretion.
The group was part of the 'Reunion of Honor Tour,' sponsored by the Military Historical Tours in cooperation with the Iwo Jima Association of America, which is dedicated to perpetuating the legacy, preserving the memory of our Iwo Jima and WWII Pacific campaign veterans, and ensuring America and Japan never forget their sacrifices.
After the flag raising, the Young Marines were joined by military and civilian dignitaries from the U.S. and Japanese governments, along with the bereaved families of the fallen patriots on both sides of that terrible conflict for a solemn and reverent Joint US/Japanese Reunion of Honor. This commemorative and joint memorial service furthers the reconciliation between the U.S. and Japan and strengthens the alliance between the two nations, according to the Young Marines.
'History comes alive to ensure we never forget' states the Iwo Jima Association.
The Young Marines is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) youth education and service program for boys and girls, age eight through high school graduation. The organization promotes the mental, moral, and physical development of its members. The program focuses on teaching the values of leadership, teamwork, and self-discipline, so they can live and promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. For more information, you can visit
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