Iwo Jima was one of the most costly but important battles of World War II. It took place in March of 1945, a few months before the end of the war. The island was of great importance to the American command, and played a role in launching bombers towards Japan at the end of the war.

                But by this time, the American public had grown weary of the war, seeing mass casualties and slow movement across the Pacific towards the eventual goal of Japan. Time photographer Joe Rosenthal was present at the battle, and took this picture at the top of Mount Suribachi on the island. 6 American Marines raise an American flag on Japanese soil, signifying their victory. In reality, this was the second flag raising on the mountaintop and there were still about 30 days of fighting before victory was eventually declared (3 of the 6 men pictured didn’t make it home).

                This picture was extremely influential back in the US, showing civilians that the soldiers were still dedicated to their cause. Americans on the home front were revitalized, seeing that an ending to the war was near. 

 

Photo Creds: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raising_the_Flag_on_Iwo_Jima