80th Anniversary of the Flag Raising on Iwo Jima

On Sunday February 23^rd, we will celebrate the 80^th anniversary of the flag raising on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima. Joseph Rosenthal’s iconic photograph is the most reproduced image in the world.

That photo was the second picture taken. The first was deemed to be inadequate because the flag was too small and the entire image did not adequately portray the magnitude of the achievement. That image and achievement are memorialized today at the Iwo Jima War Mem0rial in Arlington Cemetery.

Not all the Marines in the original flag raising were in the second one memorialized in our nation’s history and conscience. One Marine who was in the second photo, was Arizonan Ira Hayes. Ira was an enrolled member of the Gila River Indian Community, located in Pinal and Maricopa counties. Ira tragically died at the age of 32.

Today, we remember not only the courage of the Marines who took Mount Suribachi and created a national symbol of our nations courage, service, and commitment, but all who have worn the uniform of our country. Thank you, Veterans, everywhere. Semper Fidelis.