Henry and Brownells Join Forces to Recognize Iwo Jima Flag-Raiser

Exclusive Rifles to Fund Harold "Pie" Keller Monument Available On Flag Day

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Jun 10, 2021, 11:15 ET

RICE LAKE, Wisc., June 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On February 23, 1945, Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal captured one of the most iconic images in US military history as six Marines hoisted the American flag atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima. In October 2019, Harold "Pie" Keller of Brooklyn, Iowa, was identified as one of these Marines, 74 years after Rosenthal took the photograph. With his story almost lost to history, Keller's hometown is now cementing his legacy with a monument funded in part by American firearms manufacturer Henry Repeating Arms and Iowa-based firearms parts and accessories supplier, Brownells, Inc.

Henry Repeating Arms created a limited-edition series of 100 Golden Boy “Pie Keller Memorial” Edition .22 rifles to raise funds for the Brooklyn Community Foundation’s mission of erecting a memorial in Pie’s hometown of Brooklyn, IA.

Cpl. Harold "Pie" Keller, right, shakes hands with Sgt. Howard Snyder (KIA), left, as they stand on the rim of Mt. Suribachi on Iwo Jima between the first and second flag raisings on February 23rd, 1945 (Official Army photo, courtesy of Pfc. George Burns, George Burns Collection, U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center).

The Brooklyn Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, is spearheading the memorial construction efforts with $17,000 left to raise to pay for the monument. To assist the foundation, Henry Repeating Arms created a limited-edition series of 100 Golden Boy Pie Keller Memorial Edition rifles (Model #H004PKM). In celebration of Flag Day, the rifles will be available for sale through Brownells' retail store in Grinnell, IA, and online at Brownells.com starting on Monday, June 14, until supplies last. Henry Repeating Arms is donating $50 for each gun sold and all the proceeds from an online auction for the first rifle in the series. Bidding for serial no. 1 begins on Flag Day as well at Gunbroker.com, item #902646486.

"We sincerely appreciate Henry Repeating Arms, Brownells, and Crow Shooting Supply for stepping up to the plate and providing so much assistance to make this monument a reality," said Rusty Clayton of the Brooklyn Community Foundation. "This is going to solidify Pie's name and legacy in our town forever, and we could not have done it without the contributions that will come out of these incredible rifles."

The Pie Keller Memorial rifle features a custom engraved genuine American walnut buttstock depicting a triumphant Keller at the summit of Mount Suribachi, rifle in hand, with his fellow Marines in the background lifting the American flag as seen in Rosenthal's famous image. The date, "February 23, 1945," is etched above the design and a flowing scroll banner below contains Keller's name. Built on Henry's Golden Boy platform, the .22-caliber rifle also features a Brasslite receiver cover, barrel band, and buttplate with a 20" blued steel octagon barrel. The H004PKM has an MSRP of $744.

"The fact that "Pie" was misidentified for over 76 years is a testament to the man's humility," said Anthony Imperato, President, and Owner of Henry Repeating Arms. "He never came forward as one of the flag-raisers, not even to his kids, and I look forward to visiting the memorial to pay my respects to this incredible man in person."

"We are honored to recognize a true hometown hero who made history by raising the American flag on the island of Iwo Jima more than 75 years ago," said Pete Brownell, Chairman of Brownells. "The image of the flag-raising has become a symbol of valor and unity in the United States. It's fitting to have "Pie" Keller's heroics memorialized on another American icon, the Henry rifle, as it benefits a new memorial to Brooklyn, Iowa's hometown hero."

Henry firearms are purchasable only through a licensed firearms dealer. For more information about Henry Repeating Arms and its products, visit henryusa.com or call 866-200-2354.

About Henry Repeating Arms:
Henry Repeating Arms is one of the leading rifle and shotgun manufacturers in the United States and a world leader in the lever action category. The company motto is "Made in America, or not made at all" and its firearms come with a lifetime guarantee backed by award-winning customer service. The company is also known for its charitable endeavors under its Guns For Great Causes program, which focuses on sick children, both individual cases and children's hospitals, veteran and wounded veteran organizations, Second Amendment and wildlife conservation organizations. The company currently employs 535 people and has 250,000 square-feet of manufacturing space in its Rice Lake, Wisconsin and Bayonne, New Jersey facilities. The company is named in honor of Benjamin Tyler Henry who invented and patented the Henry rifle in 1860 – the first repeating rifle, the lever action rifle, which is America's unique contribution to international firearms design and is one of the most legendary, respected and sought-after rifles in the history of firearms. Visit Henry Repeating Arms online at www.HenryUSA.com, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/HenryRepeating, and on Instagram @Henry_Rifles.

About Brownells:
Serious About Firearms Since 1939™, Brownells is the world's leading source for guns, gun parts and accessories, ammunition, gunsmithing tools and survival gear. With a large selection of both common and hard-to-find items, and an extensive collection of videos, articles, and gun schematics, Brownells is the expert for everything shooting-related. Committed to maintaining our great traditions, Brownells has more, does more and knows more – and guarantees it all, Forever. For more information or to place an order, call 800-741-0015 or visit Brownells.com. Stay up-to-date with Brownells on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

SOURCE Henry Repeating Arms