All great photographs, paintings, and illustrations carry a deeper and more significant meaning than displayed at first sight.  Using personal interpretation, and the analysis of other factors, such as photographer’s intent, an image’s context can be extensive.  In September 2001, the United States of America was attacked by a group of terrorists named Al Qaeda. The twin towers of New York City were hit by two different airplanes. This attack in itself, initially, stood for nothing but hatred.  However, as the heroes of this incident began to rise up and help with the rescue effort, the nation seemed to come together. The attack appeared to stand for much more than what was initially perceived. One of the most iconic photographs taken during the rescue efforts was by Thomas E. Franklin. Franklin’s photo depicts three firefighters raising the American flag on top of the rubble from the two buildings. The powerful photo was displayed on the front page of numerous newspapers just days after the attack. It was compared to the image of the soldiers raising of the flag on Iwo Jima during World War II. There are multiple elements of the photo that add much more significance to the it. Without an extensive analysis of the picture, one can’t fully grasp the entire meaning.  Foster’s photograph displays patriotism, assurance for a hurting nation, and hope. By interpreting background information, analysis of the flag and other symbols, and Foster’s intent, the true meaning of the photograph is attainable.  

Franklin’s photograph contains numerous powerful symbols. The most famous in the photo is the American flag.  The American flag is arguably the most iconic symbol of the United States. It stands for unity, glory, nationalism, and hope for a better tomorrow. Typically, the flag is displayed in the most historic events.  From the moon landing to major war victories, the flag has stood tall and proud. It is constantly being fought for and displayed throughout the country. When the flag was erected on that spot after the attacks, it stood for much more than just a representation of our nation. To the citizens of our country, it established hope, assurance, and unity. The reproduction of the image of the flag standing tall helped the nation begin to hinder the true horror of the attack. It gave the country something to hold on to and believe in. The positioning of the flag is also important in the photo. The flag stood in front of the rubble and is mounted on a pole from the remains of the buildings. Also, it is the only bright and colorful object portrayed in the image. The eye immediately is drawn to the flag instead of the surrounding environment. This gives the flag a sense of importance in the photo. Also, it assures the people of America that the country will continue to stand and continue to be united despite the imposed terror. The debris of the aftermath is another important element of the photo. In the picture, the remains are piled high. The firefighters erecting the flag are standing on a pile of metal. This made many Americans feel a great amount of sympathy for these workers. These men and women were working around the clock to find innocent Americans and to clear the rubble. The horror of the attack was shown through the image across the nation and it put the situation into perspective for all. The last, yet very significant symbol in the photo, is that of the firefighters. The firefighters seem to have the same effect on the photo’s audience as the rubble. They are covered in dirt and appear to be admiring the flag. To the average viewer at home, this creates a feeling of respect and sympathy. The respect comes from the fact that these men and women were cleaning up the gigantic mess of the rubble. This job was clearly extremely tough and it took a great amount of courage to be willing to risk their lives and put the country’s needs before them. Sympathy is generated in how they look. They look exhausted and their equipment is covered with dust. According to the photograph, they had clearly put the wellbeing of the nation before their own. Symbolic analysis is a major key in attaining a photograph’s entire message.

Using the artist’s intent, the viewer is able to understand the motivation behind the photograph. When Thomas E. Foster arrived at the scene, he was clearly looking for a way to expose the horror of the attack, whilst also maintaining the theme of patriotism. Instead of keeping the country updated with the depressing photographs that had been taken at the site, he decided to bless the nation with the hope and patriotism that was needed. The way the photograph was taken, was meant to show the heroes and their efforts, rather than portray the destruction of the event. The way the flag is positioned and the fact that he was able to get the firefighters actually hoisting the flag displayed a great sense of patriotism.  

Lastly, the historical background of the photograph is another important part of its larger meaning. Thomas E. Franklin, the photographer, took the picture at five o’ clock after the attack.  He was one of the very few who were attempting to go to the site of the attack, instead of running away. This photograph’s importance was compared to the significance of the photo taken at Iwo Jima. Iwo Jima’s flag raising basically depicted the same thing. There were heroes there as well, raising a flag at a point at which the nation needed hope and assurance during one of the bloodiest battles of WWII. The fact that Franklin’s photograph was compared to such an iconic photo, speaks volumes for the photograph and its meaning. It shows the nationalism characteristic of the picture. The American flag shown in the 9/11 photograph also has some interesting historical background. The flag was pulled off of a yacht in the Hudson river, using a buzz saw. The way that the flag was obtained says a lot about the nation. The fact that the firemen were willing to go that far in order to acquire the country’s flag, shows the patriotism the country held at the dark time. Also, the willingness of the yacht’s owner to allow that to happen presents a great deal of patriotism.  The flag was eventually taken from the site after it was planted and was just recently returned. This is another representation of the patriotism that surrounds the photograph. The person understood that the flag meant so much more than just a flag. He understood the true meaning behind it. Instead of keeping it, he returned it to a museum where it can be admired and remembered by all. Interpretation of the photograph using its historical background is a necessity in grasping its entire meaning.

Comfort during a desperate time is mandatory for the progression of the wellbeing of a person, institute, or country. The raising of the flag photograph, taken by Thomas E. Foster did just that. Numerous factors of every photograph allow deep interpretation of its meaning.  Foster’s photograph was the most iconic image that came out of the attack. This proves that our hurting nation needed a little bit of hope during the time of desperation. This photograph once represented a terrible tragedy with a tremendous loss of life but it now stands as a representation of America’s strength and resilience.  