On September 11th 2001, Islamic extremists executed a debilitating terrorist plot that left an indent on the lives of the American people forever.  American Airlines flight 11 and United Airlines flight 175 were hijacked and crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City with the intent of mass destruction. By 10:28 am both the North and South Twin Towers collapsed, approximately 2,996 people were killed and more than 6,000 people were wounded. Throughout the day, first responders worked tirelessly to save anyone they could. This photograph by Thomas E. Franklin displays three firefighters raising an American flag amidst the destruction at Ground Zero.  By analyzing the use of color, the contrast between the foreground and background, and the body language of the firefighters as they are hoisting the flag, the viewer can see a parallel between the American flag and the American people as they both withstood the tragedy and rose from the destruction of September 11th.  

The contrast of colors in the image draws attention to the American flag. The background colors of this image are predominantly dull greys and browns, paralleling the fact that the September 11th attack was a dark time in Americas history, one that brought about death and tragedy. Dark colors are used to bring an emotion of death to the picture and capture the struggle that was endured this day. In addition, because the colors are so toned down and appear very dull, contradicting the color and brightness of the flag. The flag, being the only thing that is in vibrant colors it what first catches the viewers eye when looking at the photograph. The American flag is used as a symbol of strength and unity, drawing attention to it displays the strength of America at the time of this tragedy. The colors of the flag; red, blue, and white are very symbolic. Red is a color that represents love and strength, both of which were seen in the way that the people rallied together and supported each other through this time. Blue represents loyalty and strength as well. Loyalty was shown by the firefighters, first responders, and anyone who helped save lives that day. The bravery and dedication they displayed was inspiring, they all risked everything to save people they had never met before, and many gave up their lives. Lastly, the white in the flag represents purity, safety, and a new beginning. Despite the hardships faced on September 11th, it was a new beginning for the American people to band together and put aside differences to defend their country and commemorate those who died. By doing this, like the flag, they were a symbol of strength and survival despite the intentions of terrorists. 

Differentiating between the background and foreground of the image allows the viewer to see the juxtaposition between chaos and calm. The background of the image is smoky and one is unable to make out much detail or determine what exactly they are looking at. Any detail the viewer can see, is of layers of debris piled on top of itself in disarray. The structure of the building is broken and in a heap of mess. The background of the image has no order and depicts a multitude of chaos and disaster.  The destruction is on a massive scale, and the amount of debris shown exhibits mess that could not be easily contained or cleaned.  In opposition, the foreground of the image displays a sense of tranquility. There is no debris where the men are standing, and the area is much cleaner. In addition, there is a flagpole that crosses the middle of the foreground, displaying the power of the American people. The American flag is a symbol of peace and unity, so having it in the front of the picture enforces the calm of this portion of the photograph. In addition, by making the focus of the image the flag, there is foreshadowing that despite the damage that occurred on this day the American people would come back more powerful and united than ever. By looking at the difference between foreground and background, the image demonstrates the American people’s ability to unify amidst the terrorist attack. Despite the tragedy they had all gone through, Americans came together with a sense of calm and strength to rise together and prove that this had not crippled them. 

The body positioning of the firefighters in the image depicts hope. Although the firefighter’s faces are not clearly seen in the photograph, the viewer can make out small facial details and the direction that are looking in. Their eyes are looking up at the flag, with their heads at angles that display the flag as their sole focus. They are looking at the flag as if inspired and hopeful, with the two firefighters on the left demonstrating a calming emotion with the peaceful look on their faces. Their bodies are turned in the direction of the flag, paying no mind to the destruction and debris all around them. Instead they are focused completely on this symbol of survival. The firefighter on the right has a determined look on his face and his left arm muscles are budging from the feat of raising the flag on the pole. Because the firefighter displays a struggle while completing this action, the viewer understands that getting through the devastation will not be an easy task and will require the American people to be strong. Two thirds of the firefighters are participating in this action, proving that overcoming this tragedy is a group effort of the people. The act of manually raising the flag amidst the destruction portrays the country rising, stronger and more unified than ever, after the attack on its people. Paralleling the flag, the American people rose to the occasion amongst the chaos and destruction experienced on September 11th. 

The terrorist attack that occurred on September 11th delivered mass destruction, however it banded the American people together, forever displaying the nations strength. Since 10:28 am on September 11th 2001, the American people united to fight a common enemy and defend their country. By analyzing the composition of the photo, the viewer can see that Franklin portrayed the strength of the nation despite the devastation. The colors and the chaos in the background place emphasis on the flag and its meaning to the American people. The firefighters exemplify the strength of the American people on that day. Overall, this image serves to parallel the rise of the United States as the flag being raised amidst the destruction that occurred on  the unforgettable day in history. 
