738 Words
The Pulitzer-winning photograph “Old Glory Goes Up On Mt. Suribachi” was taken by Joe Rosenthal in 1945 – an employee of the Associated Press. Considered to be the greatest war photograph taken in U.S Marine history, the location of the photograph is at the Briscoe Center for American History which is in Austin, Texas (“Collections Military History”).
Rosenthal's picture serves as an artistic response to war because it portrays the gallantry of the U.S Marines in what has been considered the bloodiest battle in Marine Corps history on the island on Iwo Jima. If anything, this photograph is symbolic of the immense struggle that the Marines had to undergo during this battle and depicts the outcome of the hard-fought battle between the Japanese and the Americans. One can interpret the combined efforts of these soldiers to hoist the flag as a way to express the solidarity among the Marines to beat the enemy against all odds and for the nation that they swore to protect. Also, the bleak skies above them symbolizes the the daunting task that was set before them as this was the first victory that spelt the beginning of the end of World War II and Japanese dominance in the Pacific Ocean Theater. The struggles and losses that the Marines had to face are also depicted in this photograph as they, even if being battle-weary, raised the flag to assert the United States' dominance despite losing a number of men in the process. The posture of the soldiers, in making an effort to raise the flag, also suggest the backbreaking work, bravery and resoluteness of the Marines to fight for their nation where despite the dangers, their enthusiasm to hoist that flag reveals their sense of patriotism as well.
One can't help but find this picture to be an allegory of the United States' dominance in world politics and governance for the next century, with their brave men on the frontline taking control of similar situations far away from home and making the hard sacrifices so as to free people from totalitarian rule. It also depicts a lasting victory of Good vs. Evil and also suggests that the United States was on the right side of things throughout the war. As for the American flag that is hoisted after facing so many difficulties, this clearly shows the motivation and courage of these soldiers that have made their way to the island of Iwo Jima to crush the Japanese once and for all. One can't help but see the irony in this photography, which, in stark contrast to Pearl Harbour, sees the Marines winning the battle against Japan even if the costs in terms of human life was just as expensive. It's truly a photograph that expresses that Never Say Die attitude of the Marines that people are so familiar with.
Finally, since it is the flag that catches the eye of the observer, it's clear that the photographer wants people to understand that serving one's nation – in this case, the United States – is a matter of pride and one that should be taken seriously, in life or in death. To the unsuspecting civilian, it also represents all that they have to be thankful for as their fellow citizens go off to war if only to protect the liberties that they often take for granted. If it was not for the Marines and their sacrifices over the years, the United States would not be what it is, both then and now. It is a photograph that seeks to evoke a sense of pride and thankfulness from the entire nation.
Old Glory Goes Up On Mt. Suribachi is one of the most iconic photographs taken during World War II. Even if there's cynicism about the true motives of war in this day and age, the message that this photograph clearly reveals is that of American bravery, pride and sacrifice. What it also represents is the military superiority of the Marines and the United States since time immemorial. As one looks at this picture, they should definitely take pride in the sacrifices of the Marines and cultivate a sense of patriotism for the liberties and protection that they offer people of many nationalities today. Having said that, if it wasn't for the United States, the world would have been speaking a different language today.
Works Cited
"Collections Military History - Briscoe Center for American History." The University of Texas at Austin. n.d. Web. 2 February 2017. <http://www.cah.utexas.edu/collections/military_history.php/>
