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The author of a book about the men who raised the American flag on Iwo Jima during World War II will speak at a special Sept. 11 kickoff for The Economic Club of Grand Rapids' fall luncheon program.

James Bradley, who penned ""Flags of Our Fathers,"" will speak at the special noon meeting in the Ambassador Ballroom of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.

A Clint Eastwood-directed movie based on the book, co-produced by Steven Spielberg, opens Oct. 20.

""Flags of Our Fathers"" follows the lives of the six soldiers pictured raising the American flag amid the bloody battle for Iwo Jima during World War II. One of the soldiers in the picture is Bradley's father, John.

Bradley's most recent book, ""Flyboys,"" is the story of eight naval aviators who were beheaded on an island next to Iwo Jima. A ninth soldier, George H.W. Bush, got away.

Tickets for the luncheon are $25 for members and their spouses and $32 for guests. Reservations are due Sept. 7. Call 454-1883 or e-mail econclubgr@aol.com for details.

Source: /www.mlive.com"">MLive"