19 October, 2010
The painting that celebrates Hopkinton's Iwo Jima veterans will be unveiled on Wednesday, October 20th, 2010 at a dinner event hosted by the Hopkinton Athletic Association (HAA) and the Honoring The Spirit Committee. The event will also welcome Marine Corps Marathon officials who will be in Hopkinton to receive the Marathon Flame that will be an integral part of the activities for the Marine Corps Marathon held annually in our nation’s capital.
The painting, by internationally recognized figurative painter Dustin Neece, was inspired by the seven Marines with Hopkinton ties that served in the battle of Iwo Jima 65 years ago. The painting is part of an initiative that unites and celebrates the Battle of Iwo Jima, a strategically important battle of World War II, the Battle of Marathon, one of the most important battles in human history, the Boston Marathon, the oldest annual marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon, “The People’s Marathon”, the twin city relationship of Hopkinton Massachusetts and Marathon, Greece, and final.y, the Flame of the Marathon, an international symbol.
According to HAA Executive Director Tim Kilduff, this initiative is much more than a story about Hopkinton Marines. It is a celebration of honor and
sacrifice by all veterans, and the personal experiences of each soldier. With this vision in mind, an exhibit will be created for the Marine Corps Museum that includes the Iwo Jima painting and photographs of each Hopkinton Marine veteran who served at Iwo Jima. This exhibit layout visually links the personal stories of each individual Marine with the larger context of honoring all Marines who have served our country and
defend our nation today. The painting will be part of a museum-quality exhibit.
