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Enola Gay crew to return to Tinian
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Posted on Jun 12 2004
Wednesday, June 16, will mark the historic return of retired Gen. Paul Tibbets to Tinian. Tibbets, the man who piloted the Enola Gay, will return to the island that launched his flight on August 6, 1945—a flight that changed the course of history.
Joining Tibbets will be the two remaining members of his Enola Gay crew, Navigator Theodore “Dutch” Van Kirk, and Weaponeer Morris Jeppson.
Tibbets, Van Kirk, and Jeppson are the last surviving veterans of the Enola Gay flight to Hiroshima, and this will be their first visit to Tinian since 1945.
A memorial ceremony will be held on Tinian’s North Field at 2pm to commemorate their historic return to the island. Speakers will include Tinian Mayor Francisco M. Borja, Rear Adm. A.J. Johnson of COMNAVMAR and General Paul W. Tibbets Jr.
Other activities on Tinian include:
• Display of U.S. Navy helicopters at North Field. Open to the public.
• Unveiling of Memorials and Excavated Bomb Pit. Bomb pits will be unveiled in recognition of the return of Tibbets and the men of the Enola Gay.
• A memorial and wreath laying ceremony to commemorate the USS Indianapolis’ mission to Tinian will be dedicated, as well as memorials to the Enola Gay crew and a Peace Monument from the Mayor of Tinian.
• Tinian High School ROTC Drill Team Performance at North Field
• CGC Galveston Island Open Ship Tours at the Tinian Harbor from 3pm to 6pm.
• WWII Art Show at the Tinian Dynasty Hotel Lobby at 5pm. Local artists will be selling their interpretations of WWII on Tinian as well as artifacts and wood carvings.
n Commemorative Veteran Pin and Gift Ceremony will be held at the Tinian Dynasty Hotel at 7pm. Limited edition pins—1 of 300—will be issued to WWII veterans and family of veterans. Pins commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Tinian. Veterans will also receive special gift bags from the Tinian Mayor’s Office, Tinian Legislative Delegation and the Tinian Municipal Council. Gifts range from embroidered hats and t-shirts to bottles of the famous Tinian Hot Pepper.
