Quote

I would rather be ashes than dust. I would rather my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze, than it should be stifled in dry-rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, with every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. - Jack London 寧化飛灰,不作浮塵。 寧投熊熊烈火,光盡而滅;不伴寂寂朽木,默默同腐。 寧為耀目流星,迸發萬仗光芒;不羨永恒星體,悠悠沉睡終古。 - Chris Patten, the last Governor of Hong Kong, quoted in Hong Kong Policy Address 1996 (the last address before 1997 handover to China)

Thursday, July 17, 2025

[Photos That Shaped History] Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima Island, War World II (1945)

 

One of the most iconic photos of World War II, Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima Island by photographer Joe Rosenthal has been engrained nationwide into the minds of Americans as a symbol of victory and patriotism.

In the photo, Rosenthal snaps six American marines raising the U.S. flag on top of Mount Suribachi to mark its capture. The flag in question served as the commander-ordered replacement to a much smaller flag, and was hoisted up in order to inspire the troops present for the capture.

Rosenthal’s photo was published a mere two days after its capture, and immediately skyrocketed to fame. It became so famous, and so positively regarded, that Rosenthal eventually won a Pulitzer Prize in Photography for it.

Today the photograph continues to represent America’s role in World War II, and perseveres in inspiring feelings of victory and unity.

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