Assignment 4- Angelica Malkowski

This photo, taken by Joe Rosenthal in 1945, has become one of the most reproduced photos of all time. It depicts the raising of a flag after an American victory in Japanese Iwo Jima. This small victory was a bright light among five days of intense battle, and was therefore an emotional event among the soldiers present. Soon after being taken, the picture appeared on the front cover of newspapers across America. For many it represented a hope that Japanese forces were close to being conquered and that victory and peace were near. In fact, it evoked such a strong emotional reaction that millions of Americans bought war bonds to help the nation remain financially stable. Some could argue that this simple photo helped the Allies win the war. Although I was, of course, not alive during WWII, this photo still conveys a sense of victory and American pride. I have a lot of family members who have served in the military; this photo reminds me of them, and all who have served this country. I am forever grateful to them. This photo is also a reminder of all the loss of life that came with WWII, and that comes with any war. All the wreckage on the ground helps convey this. But, the clear sky in the background and the five men working together to lift the heavy flag also convey a sense of fraternity and hope for the future. That, along with the rising American flag- which stands out due to the sharp diagonal line of the pole, and expresses the American spirit- are what people related to most when this photo was published in 1945.

This photo can be found at http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/22/world/cnnphotos-iwo-jima/index.html