(new to) Great Regulars: In my column, I'll use some of these oral

history poems, along with my poetic ramblings. Sometimes I will include students' works. If there is not a student's name before the poem, it is mine.

Don Bellinger, 83, is a retired teacher and principal from Elk Rapids. He was interviewed by two Elk Rapids High School students, Jared Dreffs and Kelly Thelen. Sixty-five years ago, World War II was still raging. On Valentine's Day, 1945, Don was 19 years old and sailing toward his first battle. Tuesday is the 65th anniversary of the flag-raising over Iwo Jima.

Don Bellinger
Iwo Jima

from Terry Wooten: Traverse City Record-Eagle: Sharing the Elders Project

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