One of the most infamous pictures from World War Two is that of the soldiers raising the American flag at the summit of the island of Iwo Jima in the South Pacific. The island had been a Japanese military base with the strategic advantage that if taken would allow the Americans an air field and a way to attack the Japanese mainland by air. For five days the Americans clawed their way up the mountain taking severe casualties but none the less made it to the top and staked claim to the island. The famous picture that was taken that day, February 23, 1945 by Joe Rosenthal, captured the struggles that the soldiers faced to take the island while creating an overwhelming feeling of pride in the hearts of Americans who view it today.

Obviously being that it was 1945 color cameras had not been invented yet so the picture is in black and white. This gives the image a darker feel not just literally but theoretically as well. Just minutes before the picture was taken there was a massive fire fight going on with men being shot and bombs going off and the black and white imagery reminds the viewer of how desolate a place this was. There was no happiness on the island of Iwo Jima for those men, if the image was colorful it may have added a sense of that but obviously it was not there. They had just fought for five sleepless nights and watched friends die, happiness was not in their minds at that point. To add to the desolate feeling that the image gives, one can see that on the ground around where the flag is being raised there seems to be a lot of debris possibly from bombs exploding. Splintered trees and shell casings litter the ground once again reminding the viewer that just moments before this triumphant raising of the flag there was in fact a major battle taking place right on those very grounds.

The six men in the image seen lifting the flag are clearly struggling to lift it upright. Whether or not that is because the flag pole is just very heavy or they are just extremely tired no one knows. However, one thing is for sure: just like those men took over that island together as a team, they lifted that flag pole together which symbolizes unity. Few things can destroy a unit with the same mindset and these men all knew that they had an objective which was to take the island of Iwo Jima and they did just that. They were not aware at the time that this picture of them would have monuments erected throughout the country and would forever be a symbol of America’s ability to fight back and not be bullied by foreign terrorists. Another aspect of this image that the viewer can notice is that the flag seems to be pristine as if brand new. Most likely it was a sign of respect to have a well taken care of flag flying and not one that is ripped and tattered. Despite the setting of the photo being so bleak and the men wearing their dirty run down combat uniforms the American flag still flies in total perfection with not a rip in sight. The flag symbolizes the spirit of America and sends the message that it may not be pretty but we will get the job done and ultimately that flag will fly not matter what.

This image may be plain and only have a few things to actually look at however with some context a viewer can see so much more than it actually portrays. About four years earlier on December 7, 1941 the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor and it was the worst attack on American soil in the country’s history (only the events on September 11, 2001 would surpass). Finally, after the battle of Iwo Jima the Americans’ had gotten back on the offensive and were able to take the fight to the Japanese. This win on this island was huge for the outcome of the rest of the war and the effort that was put in by the brave marines on those beaches can be recognized in this photo. What makes this photo so powerful is that it is real life. Of course one can feel strong emotions from a painting or other works of art but essentially those are figments of one man or woman’s imagination. This however is a real life action shot on a battlefield where hundreds if not thousands of lives were lost. As an American and as a human being it is hard not to feel the powerful emotions that come with a glance at this image.

This image is one that, depending on the viewer, can bring out extreme feelings of sadness and pride. Though many viewing it today will have little connection to it if any, all who share the pride in being an American will feel something form this image. Despite this image not having color it is still able to radiate feelings of both sadness and pride for the viewer. These men were a team and this picture perfectly shows how teamwork will ultimately get the job done with them lifting the flag up together. The sole fact that this is a real image is what makes it so powerful because that allows viewers to relate as well. They may not be able to relate to being in a war but they will be able to relate to the feeling of accomplishment. This photo shows the struggle that the American soldiers faced on the island of Iwo Jima and leaves a lasting sentiment for Americans today.  Nothing is more real than a battle and for many of us we will never know what it is like to be in one but luckily there are photos like this one that remind us that we don’t want to know what it is like, while at the same time giving us the pride of victory.  
