By Connecticut Veterans Bulletin

At 101 years old, once again stood where history demanded strength.

In February 2026, the Bristol, Connecticut, Marine traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend the 81st Iwo Jima Reunion, joining fellow World War II veterans for national ceremonies of remembrance. What unfolded over those days was more than a commemorative visit — it was a living chapter of American history, documented closely by historian , who accompanied Joe throughout the journey.

A Police-Escorted Tribute Through the Rain

One of the most striking moments of the trip came when Joe and the other surviving veterans traveled from their Washington hotel to the .

Neal described it plainly but powerfully:

“They rode 35 miles from the Hotel from where they started to the Museum under Police escort. With lights flashing through the streets and along the highway. Stopping traffic to allow them though. A good portion in the rain. They did it to honor those of the greatest generation.”

With police lights cutting through the gray February skies, traffic halted along highways and city streets so the aging Marines — some in wheelchairs, others assisted carefully — could pass uninterrupted. Even in the rain, Americans lined portions of the route, a quiet acknowledgment that the men inside those vehicles represented a shrinking and irreplaceable generation.

Standing Tall When Others Could Not

Inside the museum, Joe did something that left a lasting impression on those present.

Neal recorded:

“Today Joe Caminiti was the only Iwo Jima Survivor of all the Iwo Jima present to be able to stand the full duration of the opening Ceremony at the Marine Corp Museum for the World War II Veterans. Joe is seen standing tall.”

At 101, Joe remained on his feet for the entirety of the ceremony — a symbolic gesture perhaps, but one that resonated deeply. For a man who landed Marines on Pacific beaches in 1945 as part of the 3rd Marine Division, standing through an entire ceremony more than eight decades later carried emotional weight.

When the Marines in attendance sang the Marine Corps Hymn, Joe joined fellow survivors and WWII veterans — voices aged, but unified — echoing in the halls of a museum dedicated to their legacy.

Face-to-Face With History

For Joe, the visit was not merely ceremonial.

He was able to stand close to the actual American flag raised on Iwo Jima in February 1945 — the very image that became immortalized in history and later inspired the towering statue at the .

Neal documented the moment:

“Today Joe along with other Iwo Jima Survivors were able to see close up the actual American Flag that he saw raised on Iwo Jima some 81 years ago. Joe was able to tell his story of how he had seen the flag raise along with other Iwo Jima Survivors. The Flags are displayed at the Marine Corp Museum.”

For most Americans, Iwo Jima lives in textbooks and bronze statues. For Joe, it lives in memory — the black volcanic sand, the chaos, the smoke, and the moment that flag rose above Mount Suribachi. In Washington, past and present intersected.

A Wreath, A Book, and One Hundred Connecticut Names

Joe’s day continued with a visit to the Marine Corps War Memorial, where a wreath was placed in honor of the fallen.

But one of the most meaningful acts of the trip came when Joe presented a special book to the .

Neal described the significance:

“Joe finished the day by presenting a book to the Iwo Jima Association of America — a book containing the 100 from CT. who were killed during the Battle for Iwo Jima. Two of the individuals in the book Joe knew from school, both attended the same church as Joe.”

Inside that book were the names of 100 Connecticut servicemen who never returned from Iwo Jima. For Joe, those were not distant names etched in stone — they were classmates and fellow parishioners. Boys he once sat beside in school pews and church benches.

That gesture transformed a national ceremony into a deeply personal memorial.

The 80th Anniversary Journal and a Survivor’s Signature

Joe’s connection to remembrance extends beyond ceremonies.

The recently published its “80th Anniversary of the Battle for Iwo Jima 1945–2025 Journal,” and Joe is prominently featured within its pages.

Neal shared:

“Joe Caminiti is featured in the book. A 101-year-old Iwo Jima Survivor from Bristol, Ct. … Joe was 100 when he returned to Iwo Jima. Some of the pictures I took on the trip to Iwoto were used in the book.”

In another powerful moment, Joe added his name to a historic artifact:

“Joe Caminiti, Iwo Jima Survivor signs a special flag. The flag belongs to the Iwo Jima Association of America. Every signature is of a Survivor collected over the years. Joe is one of the newest Iwo Jima Survivor to add his to the collection.”

Each signature represents a living witness. With fewer surviving each year, that flag is becoming less a ceremonial object and more a sacred document of firsthand history.

A Living Bridge to the Greatest Generation

The Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945 resulted in nearly 7,000 American deaths and more than 26,000 casualties in just over a month of fighting. Today, only a handful of survivors remain nationwide.

Joe Caminiti is one of them.

In Washington, D.C., he was not simply honored — he was the honor. From the rain-soaked police escort to standing through the ceremony, from singing the hymn to presenting the names of Connecticut’s fallen, Joe embodied the quiet strength of the generation that reshaped the world.

And thanks to Neal Supranovich’s steady documentation — preserving moments that might otherwise have slipped away — Connecticut has a detailed record of those days when a 101-year-old Marine once again stood tall for the men who never came home.

A Living Legacy in Print and in Person

Joe Caminiti’s journey continues to be preserved not only in memory, but in ink.

Neal Supranovich confirmed that Joe is officially featured in the 80th Anniversary Iwo Jima Journal for his return trip to Iwoto (Iwo Jima). That commemorative publication documents the historic pilgrimage of surviving veterans who traveled back to the island eight decades after the battle. Now, work has already begun on the 81st Iwo Jima Journal, ensuring Joe’s continued presence in the permanent historical record.

Just as meaningful: Joe may soon reunite with fellow Connecticut survivor Pete Senick — the only other known Iwo Jima survivor in the state. The possibility of both men standing together again represents something extraordinarily rare in American history.

Meanwhile, local recognition continues. The Bristol Press recently published another story highlighting Joe’s participation and honor at the Washington, D.C. reunion events.

A Night of Honor in Washington

One of the most powerful moments of the trip unfolded at the official reunion banquet.

The Marine Corps League, New Britain Hardware City Detachment quietly stepped forward to ensure Joe’s family could share in the occasion. They covered the cost for Joe’s grandson, granddaughter-in-law, and his four great-grandchildren to attend the Saturday evening banquet.

Inside the ballroom, history stood shoulder to shoulder with future generations.

Joe and his family met the Commandant of the Marine Corps and had photos taken together — a moment few American families will ever experience. They were then introduced to the Ambassador of Japan, followed by staff and military officials from the Japanese Embassy. Eighty-one years after fierce combat, those encounters symbolize reconciliation, respect, and shared remembrance.

At one point during the evening, Joe was called forward. The Marine Corps formally recognized him, and the Commandant personally honored Joe before the assembled guests. Others followed in tribute, but Joe’s moment was unmistakably distinct — a 101-year-old Marine standing tall as the Corps saluted one of its own.

Brotherhood Beyond the Battlefield

Among the reunion’s unexpected highlights was Joe’s friendship with fellow veteran Don Graves. Graves, now 100 years old, recently wrote a song and traveled to Nashville to record it with a professional band. He is currently working on additional tracks to complete an album — proof that creativity and purpose do not retire.

Joe also met family members of two of the Marines who raised the flag on Iwo Jima. For a survivor who witnessed that moment in 1945, shaking hands with descendants of the flag raisers connects past and present in a way few gatherings ever could. It transforms history from photograph into living lineage.

History That Refuses to Fade

From being featured in the official Iwo Jima Journal, to standing before the Marine Corps’ highest-ranking officer, to sharing a banquet with Japanese diplomats and the descendants of the flag raisers — Joe Caminiti’s presence in Washington was not symbolic.

It was historic.

And as the 81st Journal begins production, one thing is certain: Joe’s story is no longer just memory. It is record, reunion, reconciliation — and legacy.

World War II Legacy Foundation announces the Grand Opening of the Museum of the Battle of Iwo Jima Ribbon cutting ceremony will feature Joe Caminiti

You are invited to the Grand Opening of the Museum of the Battle of Iwo Jima. The museum is located within the World War II Legacy Foundation Museum, Research & Education Center located at 102 Pitkin Street, East Hartford, CT. WWII Veterans and family members are invited to cut the ribbon. Everyone is welcome to attend and be part of this special event happening during the 81st Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. The museum is handicap accessible and there is convenient parking available. Media outlets are encouraged to attend. Please RSVP to this page or contact Gary Roy at 860-810-8736