On February 23, 1945, during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II, U.S. Marines raised the American flag atop Mount Suribachi, marking a pivotal moment in the Pacific campaign. The battle, which began on February 19, was one of the bloodiest conflicts between the United States and Japan, as U.S. forces sought to capture the island for strategic airfield use.
The first flag raising occurred in the morning when a small group of Marines planted a flag to signal their hard-fought victory on the volcanic peak. However, a larger flag was later raised in its place to make the moment more visible to those fighting below. This second flag raising was famously captured by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal (Pictured above). His photograph became one of the most iconic images in American military history, symbolizing resilience, sacrifice, and victory.
The battle continued for weeks after the flag raising, with fierce resistance from Japanese forces. By the time the island was secured on March 26th, thousands of U.S. and Japanese soldiers had lost their lives. Despite the high cost, the victory at Iwo Jima played a crucial role in the final stages of the war, providing a critical base for U.S. bombers and reinforcing American resolve in the Pacific theater.
On February 23, 1945, during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II, U.S. Marines raised the American flag atop Mount Suribachi, marking a pivotal moment in the Pacific campaign. The battle, which began on February 19, was one of the bloodiest conflicts between the United States and Japan, as U.S. forces sought to capture the island for strategic airfield use.
The first flag raising occurred in the morning when a small group of Marines planted a flag to signal their hard-fought victory on the volcanic peak. However, a larger flag was later raised in its place to make the moment more visible to those fighting below. This second flag raising was famously captured by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal (Pictured above). His photograph became one of the most iconic images in American military history, symbolizing resilience, sacrifice, and victory.
The battle continued for weeks after the flag raising, with fierce resistance from Japanese forces. By the time the island was secured on March 26th, thousands of U.S. and Japanese soldiers had lost their lives. Despite the high cost, the victory at Iwo Jima played a crucial role in the final stages of the war, providing a critical base for U.S. bombers and reinforcing American resolve in the Pacific theater.