Registration takes place at the New Britian VFW Post 511 from 8:15 – 10 am followed by Opening Ceremonies and kickstands up at 11 am. Motorcycle Riders and those wanting to participate in the Poker Hand are $20 each, motorcycle passengers $10 and walk-ins $15 each. 
May 22nd is the date of the 7th Annual Iwo Jima Survivors Victory Ride which is being presented by the Support Our Survivors of Iwo Jima and Iwo Jima Memorial Historical Foundation, Inc. The Mission of the Foundation is to maintain the National Iwo Jima Memorial Monument, perpetuate and honor the memory of those American servicemen who fought and died in the battle and to educate others about the WWII Battle of Iwo Jima. Support Our Survivors of Iwo Jima supports the mission started by the Iwo Jima Survivors Association and provides educational programs about the Battle of Iwo Jima, World War II and honors the memory of those who fought and died.
This ride is one of the Foundation’s major fundraising events undertaken to raise much needed funds for maintenance of the Memorial and Park. A portion of the proceeds will also go towards educational programs being developed by Support Our Survivors of Iwo Jima.
The 7th Annual Iwo Jima Survivors Victory Ride will have a Poker Run format and begin at the VFW on Veterans Drive in New Britain. The event will take place inside the VFW this year and be held rain or shine. Cars are welcome to participate in the Poker Run and Walk-Ins are welcome. Lunch will be served after the ride and includes a DJ, 50/50 raffles and other prizes including trophy for the Most Represented Group and Grand Prize for the best poker hand.
There are two exciting additions to this year’s events. We are proud to announce that Rene Gagnon Jr. has said he plans on attending.
Rene Gagnon Sr:
Rene is the son of one of the six men who raised the flag on Mt. Suribachi. The image taken by Joe Rosenthal has become the symbol of WWII and the Marines. There will also a World War II military memorabilia display and a special unveiling of an upcoming project which will be announced at the ride.
The event will include OPERATION THANK YOU. This part is the gathering of our honored guests, the Veterans of World War II, who served on our homeland and the Pacific and European Theatre of Operations. All WWII Vets and a guest are invited to attend FREE to be part of this. Each will receive VIP treatment, goodie bags and a welcoming committee of volunteers and the Dames for Soldiers. Any WWII Vets wanting to attend are asked to preregister by contacting us so we can make your visit more enjoyable.
The Victory Ride will include a ceremony at the National Iwo Jima Memorial Monument to remember and honor the WWII veterans of OPERATION THANK YOU. The purpose of OPERATION THANK YOU is to officially and properly recognize the service, sacrifices and accomplishments made by all World War II veterans.
We are seeking sponsors to support our mission and efforts to recognize and thank our brave veterans of America's “Greatest Generation” through OPERATION THANK YOU. Contact us to find out how you can be a sponsor of this unique event. Call Gary Roy at (860) 291-9666 or email us at SOSIwoJima@yahoo.com.
