On behalf of the PGR, I would like to thank the family of Lt Col George Alden for requesting our presence. It was an honor and a privilege to stand the line for this WWII survivor of the first wave of Marines onto the island of Iwo Jima at Red Beach 2.  We also thank his son, George Alden Jr. for the memento with sand/gravel from the Iwo Jima beach--a piece of history to treasure and to reflect on the great sacrifice by so many to obtain victory in WWII and his 27+ years of military service to this Nation.   