On This Day, Febuary 23rd

On Febuary 23rd, 1945, the U.S. raises its flag during the battle of Iwo Jima and the photo taken of that moment becomes one of the most iconic photos in American history. During the battle, marines took it upon themselves to raise the flag at the highest point of the area witch happened to be a hill. The marines hoisted the flag while a war photographer captured the iconic image, forever immortalizing it as part of the American culture and history.

At the time, this photo spread like wildfire, appearing in newspapers and magazines everywhere along with other forms of media. The image helped boost American morale during the war drastically and encouraged the war torn nation to continue fighting and press onward until they won. The image was quickly turned into propaganda posters, encouraging the nations youth and populace to enlist for their country. The victory and flag raising at Iwo Jima also signified the beginning of the end for the war that had raged on for almost five years at that point. Later that same year, the war would end on both fronts, with the surrender of Germany and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This photo may have been the pushing factor of morale needed at the time as the war had been going on for a long time, and most of the American people wanted the war to be over more than anything. Having this newfound morale boost it pushed everyone to continue and end it. 

Today, this image still circulates around history books and movies all over the world as a testament to America's perseverance during the war and ultimate victory. The image might even be considered the most iconic image in American history. Many American people find inspiration in this image, inspiration to keep fighting and going no matter the situation, it doesn't have to be war, but whatever you may be going through, keep going and preservere, you will survive and get through it.