Arcadia Youth Wins ‘Letters for Peace’ Contest

A California teen-ager who described to President Reagan a poignant reunion between American and Japanese veterans of World War II received a $10,000 check Friday for winning an international “Letters for Peace” contest.

Michael R. Jacoby of Arcadia beat out about 45,000 contestants from more than 40 countries to win the grand prize in the contest, sponsored by Rotary International and the United Nations. The prize also includes a trip for two to Epcot Center in Florida.

“It wasn’t difficult to write because it was about an experience I had. I hope it will have an impact on someone else’s life,” said the 17-year-old skier, volleyball player, debater and guitarist, who is also active in student government.

Jacoby was the youngest observer at a 1985 reunion of Iwo Jima veterans at the battlefield on the volcanic island. He was accompanying his grandfather, who had fought in the battle.

When the official ceremonies were finished, the teen-ager told the president in his letter, “you should have been there to see what happened next. Men approached each other, at first shaking hands hesitantly, then embracing and crying. Some brought war souvenirs to return to their one-time enemies.

“How could so much have changed in only forty years? How many times have enmies stood together as friends after murderous attacks on each other? It seemed to me that we should allow these men to show the rest of the world how bitter enemies can become friends and allies.”