The image above shows five marines planting the American flag on top of Mt. Suribachi after the battle of Iwo Jima. The flag was placed on the highest point of the island to signify that victory was achieved to all the remaining Americans troops. Another flag was in its place before this picture was taken, but it was too small, so the change for a larger flag was made. The battle of Iwo Jima was one of the hardest fought and most costly combats in the conquest of the Pacific islands. Joe Rosenthal, the photographer, was under heavy fire for this picture in the past. Rosenthal was accused of staging the men for the iconic photograph, but eye witness support and his own word proved the image was completely natural (History).  Joe captured a perfect photo that symbolizes the strength of the American people, and the vastness of our accomplishments. The photo of the five soldiers shares with its viewers the symbolic nature of angle and line symmetry, the contrast of depth of field and color choice, and the obvious patriotic and nationalistic feelings it was meant to produce during wartime.

To commence, the angle of the photograph coming from behind the soldiers casts a shadow over each face or masks them completely (Fig 1). This effect leaves the men without individual identity, but instead creates a symbolic representation of what country and people they stand for. These soldiers defend the integrity of justice in the free world, and unity over all nations. The Marines in the image are doing a service for their country, to be one of many brave souls to fight and die for a higher cause. The line running along the length of the flag is essential to the context of the picture. It represents the American victory over the Japanese, but also symbolically it represents the lives that were lost being lifted up by their brothers in arms. Although they lost their lives the dead were remembered and celebrated through the symbol of victory sitting upon the top of Mount Suribachi. Another line is created from the significant height difference between the men in the back of the group to the front man. The line leads straight into the ground, as if cemented there like a concrete foundation. The Marines are planting the hopes and beliefs of the United States into a foreign lands terrain, as if planting a tree and they are the acting roots. The flag represents a revitalization of the American peoples’ will and want to fight again after the Japanese sneak attack at Pearl Harbor starting America’s involvement in World War II. 

Furthermore, in the image there is a contrast dealing with the men on top of Mt. Suribachi and the surrounding valley below. The depth of field is symbolic in the fact that the men are put on a pedestal above everything like a gold medalist platform. The vastness of the valley shows the huge amount of effort and fighting that had to occur in order to be able to plant the flag at the islands highest point. The fact that the photo is Black and White creates dramatic emphasis on the subject of the photo, although it also distorts the image and creates more shadows making it harder to see details. The men seem almost chiseled into stone, an iconic pose representing victory that made the history books. The strong stances of the men are supporting the United States, lifting the country to its full potential and position in world power. The image might be demanding some sort of nationalistic pride or gratitude for those who died and those who lived for the country. It is not even a question, we should in fact be whole heartedly grateful and appreciative of the military and all it does for us and the country. 

Subsequently, his picture was for the American public to see the positive gains the U.S. Military had made in the Pacific against the Japanese. It was to not only inspire the American public but also the soldiers who fight for the country. The man in the front leading the planting of the flag embodies the U.S’ inner strength and leadership (Fig 1). He exemplifies what all military personnel do, carrying the weight of America and all the people living there on their shoulders, as if they were the titan Atlas holding the world. The photograph bursts with emotions, the man in the back with his fist up is joyful over the hard fought victory. It appeals to the emotions, any viewer of the image knows that during war there is sacrifice and losses. Knowing this means knowing that there is an empathetic sense of pain shared with these men, but also there is an overwhelming happiness and jubilance in knowing they were victorious after the end of the battle. Each day we should have pride in our country and those brave men stood steadfast against an unrelenting enemy just so people, even today, can live their lives in an amazing country.

Consequently, the photograph “raising the flag at Iwo Jima” is without question one of the most famous and patriotic pictures in World War II. The representation of angle and lines expressed the symbol of victory to the American people throughout the photo. The American flag is in essence power and a keeper of peace to a majority of the world. The depth of field creates a sense of David and goliath which made the triumph that much sweeter for the soldiers. The fact they were victorious shows the resolve American share and the ability to overcome adversity and win. Patriotism and nationalism were present in the photo, showing that in wartime it is necessary to show the public success through conquest. The United States was involved for the preservation of peace and the commitment to democracy which all soldiers its stand for. 
