Just a miserable plot of volcanic ash, it is one of a series of small islands about 650 miles south of Tokyo. But a prize jewel nonetheless, for its capture promises further security in the Pacific and a strategically close strike-posture against Japan. It was here that the picture took place. This single image speaks for all America about her pride, her valor, and her sacrifice. The picture stands for the greatness of a nation and our ability to dominate the world. .
Marines of the 28th regiment of the 5th Division Raise the American Flag atop Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945. As Joe Rosenthal climbed up Mount Suribachi, just taken by Marines, he learned they had raised a flag at the peak. He arrived just in time to catch five more Marines as they raised a larger, 4-ft. by 8-ft. flag in its place. It is remarkable that the picture, which won the Pulitzer Prize, ever materialized in the first place. The hoisting of the flag occurred in the span of only four seconds. "I swung my camera around," Rosenthal is quoted as saying in Flags of Our Fathers, "and held it until I could guess that this was the peak of the action, and shot. I couldn't positively say I had the picture. It's something like shooting a football play; you don't brag until it's developed." Six men are frozen forever in the history of the nation Ira Hayes, Franklyn Sousley, Harlan Block, Michael Strank, John Bradley, and Rene Gagnon. .
The picture is of six men on the top of a hill. The ground where the men are standing is in shambles. All that can be made out is broken branches and some vegetation. In the back round you can see the hills off in the distance showing another land mass. Centered in the picture are six soldiers, three of whom you can see very well two that are hidden and the last one is in front of the pack standing alone. All of these men are holding the pole of an American flag that they are raising.
