WWII HERO DON GRAVES CELEBRATES 100TH BIRTHDAY AT STARSTRUCK STUDIOS; JOHN RICH AND LEE GREENWOOD RECORD, “THE SAND OF IWO JIMA”

World War II hero Don Graves, one of the last living survivors of the Battle of Iwo Jima and the only Flamethrower to make it off the island, celebrated his 100th birthday in Nashville this week with a historic and heartfelt tribute.

To mark the occasion, Mr. Graves collaborated on a powerful new song, “The Sand of Iwo Jima,” alongside award-winning songwriters Frank Myers and Jason Sever. The track was recorded at the legendary Starstruck Studios, with vocals by country music stars John Rich and Lee Greenwood and production by Jimmy Nichols and Frank Myers.
In addition to this moving musical milestone, Mr. Graves officially signed with BMI as a songwriter while in Nashville.

This extraordinary event brought together veterans, musicians, and industry professionals to honor a century of bravery, service, and storytelling. Mr. Graves’ journey continues as he travels to Washington, D.C. for Memorial Day, where he will be featured on the National Memorial Day Concert PBS special.