Origin of the World War II Legacy Foundation, Inc.

Collaboration of a Common Mission Leads to a New Organization

Support Our Survivors of Iwo Jima and the Iwo Jima Survivors Association, Inc. worked hand-in-hand for years on many projects beside the museum.  Some of those were the Iwo Jima Survivors Victory Ride, VJ Day Candlelight Ceremony of Remembrance, area parades, birthday remembrances, historical presentations and memorabilia displays, among others. 

As the variety and number of projects increased, the mission broadened into honoring ALL World War II Veterans, not just those who served at Iwo Jima.  We had family and friends who served in both the European and Pacific Theater of Operations and in many of those significant battles.  ALL their individual stories were interesting and ALL of them deserved to be remembered and honored. Our peer connections and group of volunteers had grown to include many talented people whose own work, we had admired.  Thus, Support our Survivors of Iwo Jima and the Iwo Jima /World War II Traveling Museum decided to officially join forces and work together as one.  We decided this collaborative team would be called the World War II Legacy Foundation, Inc.  This decision was made with the approval, support and guidance of the Iwo Jima Survivors and other World War II Veterans who inspire us every day to keep on doing what we do.  This collaboration allows us to move from being a self-funded, volunteer organization to a non-profit organization which could apply for grants and accept donations to achieve our goals long into the future.  A demonstrated "Conduct of Respect" for each World War II Veteran, "Volunteer Service" to the Mission and "Integrity in Actions" are some of the requirements each of our volunteers and members adhere to.