
The Flag is an iconic picture that was taken after the World Trade Center was destroyed on 9/11 by planes that had been hijacked by terrorist. The photograph is an iconic symbol to not only the families that had lost loved ones that day and to the nation as a whole, but also to the protective services like the fire and police departments.  Within the picture, it can be noticed that the flag and the firefighters are the only components that have color. The rest of the picture is a gloomy, greenish/grey color which details the background scenery, but color in this picture can go into a deeper meaning than the clichés that are given to colors. You can look at how the tones and the transition of the dark/greyish colors clash with the neon illuminated color of the firefighters and American flag. The transition of color and the distinct colors on the firefighter’s clothes catches the eye, shows the importance of the men and women in protective services. By looking at the different transition of color and clarity used for the flag and the firefighters compared to the background, we can see that it adds to the overall theme of the heroic actions taken by the first responders and the nation as a whole. This is important because the nation was in a time of grief and mourning but the nation still came together as one to conquer the loss as a whole, not as individuals. 

The bright, vibrant colors that are within the firefighter clothing and the American flag are the main focus of the photograph. But those bright colors can go beyond the cliché surface meaning that people imply with colors when looking at this photograph. Compared to the rest of the background, those colors show the bravery that was intended by the active men and women in the protective services. When looking at the neon colors, it can reflect that of a highlighter, which signifies the positive or important aspects within a piece of work. The neon green/yellow on the jacket of the firefighters shows how the active men and woman were the highlight of the day by risking their own lives to save lives of the civilians that were trapped in the World Trade Center. On one of the firefighters, the letters that represent the New York Fire Department try to make an appearance in the picture. That is significant because it tries to display where this destruction took place and how it touched the hearts of many because New York is possibly one of the most populated cities, which contains many innocent civilians that where affected that day. The firefighters who raised the flag on the rubbish of the World Trade Center became a symbol of hope with their neon attire because hope was the only thing many people had left after this day. The neon colors that shine though shows the hope that the firefighters had when raising the flag because those colors are placed on uniforms for emergencies, so that others can see the protective services in dark, smoke filled places when thy might have just been thinking that this is it and that there is no way out. Those colors give the civilians who are trapped and in serious danger hope that they will see another day knowing that help is on the way. Hope was important at a time like this because if it was not for hope, people would not know what to hold on to when they think it is the end and that there is nothing to look forward to. Every individual was impacted by this day but it was the idea of hope that brought every person together under nation.  This inspired not only other Americans to come together but inspired other countries that were not directly affected at all you need is nationalism in order to create unity in a country. 

The American flag is the color of red, white, and blue because of the idea of what those colors mean to a growing nation. The color transition between the smoke covered background compared to the almost untouched American flag became a symbol of patriotism because it showed a bold statement which is how even after a horrific event, the American flag can still be standing proud in any environment. The American flag also grabs the audience’s attention because the pole the flag is on blends with the rubbish in the background but the flag is the center of attention. The flag draws you in because of the brightness that is displayed from the colors which adds to the idea of how every pair of eyes that saw the flag waving in the air, got a little brighter because it showed how there was still good in the world. This is because seeing the flag added to the idea of coming together in a time of need and adding to the help that was needed in order to restore the damage that was caused. The vibrant red, white, and blue are showing the true meaning of “One Nation Under God” because even though the flag is on a smoke covered pole, the sight of freedom and community can never be overseen even if others try to disregard the flag. It showed other nations that hope is one thing that cannot be taken away from a group because it takes the strength of millions of individuals to set aside their differences, whether it be race, gender, or sexuality, and to come together in a time of need.

 This awfully painful day impacted every individual different because everyone had a different connection to 9/11 whether it be a wife who lost their husband, a mother who lost their son, or a firefighter who lost part of their team. Everyone was impacted a different way not only by this day but by this photograph also. The way that everyone came together was inspiring to not only other people but to other nations also. Even non-Americans became inspired and joined the nation together in this idea that hope is more powerful than anything else. This image was the idea of hope that connected every individual to this incredibly hard day.  Hope has been proven to be a powerful thing that brings different people together in a time of need. This photograph inspired a mother who lost their child, a wife who lost their husband, and a firefighter who lost his unit to come together and act as one in this time of grieving. 

As the flag is beginning to be raised, the main focus of the picture shifts from the destroyed background to the firefighters raising the national symbol. The background of the picture is not as pixelated as the flag and firefighters that stand in front and catch your eye. This is because the photographer wants you to shift your focus on the patriotism and heroic actions that were taken that day by the men and women who are in the protective services. The nation kept up their spirits and filled their hearts with hope because of those who served to protect the surrounding civilians that day and every day after. The photographer also shifted the focus because he wanted to show the nation how those firefighters came together and searched for something to raise the flag over ground zero. This picture brought the nation together as a whole and filled the hearts of everyone in America who was effected. 

This photograph became the picture for stamps that are used for the U.S postal services and also the word “heroes” is printed on top of the picture. The visual motifs that the photographer captured within this moment added to the importance and impact it had on the people who viewed it. It added the idea of hope and togetherness to many throughout the nation, which in the days following was very needed for those effected. Sadly, today the flag that was raised on the pole in the picture is missing and no one came seem to find it. The image of that flag on ground zero can never be forgotten and will always have an impact on anyone who views it.  
