Joe Rosenthal’s Pulitzer Prize winning photograph, “Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima”, is considered to be a famous war image, but is also an iconic image that reflects American cultural ideas and the values that Americans stand for today. From the photograph, Americans can see that the United States Flag is more than just an object: it’s a symbol of greatness, power, and authority that Americans share when the world is chaotic and violent. This picture was taken during World War II at the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945, which was an important step and turning point in winning the War in the Pacific. At this time for Americans, raising the flag in the photograph was a sign of hopefulness and assurance that the War was winnable and that the Americans who feared a defeat didn’t need to be worried. Americans could feel strong and incorruptible by watching their flag hoisted. Such events, like September 11th, 2001, Americans felt the same way when the American flag was lifted where the Two Towers once stood: the 9/11 picture shows that Americans would not give into defeat and that Americans were still unified and confident after the tragedy.
Although “Raising the Flag at Iwo Jima” creates up-lifting spirits and demonstrates America’s freedom, the photograph also portrays an idea of patriotism. When looking at this photograph, it’s important to realize that the men raising the flag are American soldiers who have risked their lives in order to ensure the freedom of the United States. In other words, Americans are able to say that they are “free” because of the men and women who have dedicated themselves to fighting. From the image, Americans are reminded of the sacrifice that American soldiers have made so that the flag can continue to be raised and their independence celebrated.
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