Flag Raising Iwo Jima Essay

The Flag Raising on Iwo Jima photograph, captured by Joe Rosenthal in 1945, was taken on top of Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Joe Rosenthal, employed by The Associated Press, was an American photographer. He worked with the Newspaper Enterprise Association and soon after, he became a reporter and photographer for the San Francisco News. Joe Rosenthal wanted to join the United States Army or Navy but was rejected, due to his poor eyesight. Instead, he joined the U.S. Maritime Service as a photographer. After a year of service, he was assigned to the Pacific campaign and was sent to Iwo Jima where he captured the photograph. Joe Rosenthal won the Pulitzer Prize for his Flag Raising on Iwo Jima photograph in 1945.

As the American Marines made their way onto the island, Iwo Jima, more than five hundred Marines were killed by the Japanese and thousands were wounded. Therefore, the Americans planned a counter-attack against Japan. Soon one-third of Iwo Jima was under American control. This led Marines to raise the flags atop Mount Suribachi, the highest point on the island of Iwo Jima, which is shown in the photograph. The photograph represents victory and gave hope to Americans during war between the two countries. The image was so powerful at the time of its publication as it became a symbol of courage and unity to the United States. It also signifies American heroism leading to its Pulitzer Prize. …show more content…
Perseverance is displayed in the image as the U.S. Marine were required to persevere and stay strong throughout their mission. The Marine also needed to show courage to bring hope to their country. The whole country relied on the U.S. Marine and raising the flag helped to display this courage. Finally, since the image shows a group of U.S. Marines raising the flag together, unity is