Joe Rosenthal, photographer who shot Iwo Jima flag-raising, dies

contracostatimes.com ^ | Mon, Aug. 21, 2006 | JUSTIN M. NORTON

[lunarbicep]

[AlaskaErik]

Wow...I didn't even know he was still alive. I actually got to go to Iwo Jima back in June. We delivered a bunch of Navy guys there for an exercise, so we decided to take a four hour break before leaving. The first place we went was to the top of Mt Suribachi to visit the memorial erected on the site of the flag raising. It was quite the experience for all of us. Especially for me, since the first six years of my military career were spent as a U S Marine.

Me saluting all the Marines who fought so bravely and valiantly on Iwo Jima.

[dayglored]

R.I.P. Joe Rosenthal captured a breathtaking moment almost accidentally, and created an iconic symbol of America's struggle to defend liberty. Despite being born years after WWII, every time I see that photo, I am again awed and humbled by the sacrifices made by our troops in that massive war. My Dad fought in S.E. Asia during that time; he was one of the lucky ones who made it back. My prayers for all who did not, and to their families.

[Begin]

I wonder if he doctored smoke into the photo with Photoshop's 'clone' feature :)

But seriously, RIP

[vimto]

A tip of the hat and a fond farewell.

[dayglored]

> I wonder if he doctored smoke into the photo with Photoshop's 'clone' feature :)

Over the years, some folks claimed the shot had been posed. But it was quite real. There is even video of the raising as well. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raising_the_Flag_on_Iwo_Jima

Another point often missed: Of the six men pictured—Michael Strank, Rene Gagnon, Ira Hayes, Franklin Sousley, John Bradley (the Navy corpsman), and Harlon Block—only three (Hayes, Gagnon, and Bradley) survived the battle.

R.I.P.

[jellybean]

Flags of Our Fathers: A book about the 6 men depicted in the photograph.

[M. Espinola]

Another good man has pasted on from the greatest generation.

[Begin]

Another point often missed: Of the six men pictured—Michael Strank, Rene Gagnon, Ira Hayes, Franklin Sousley, John Bradley (the Navy corpsman), and Harlon Block—only three (Hayes, Gagnon, and Bradley) survived the battle.

Ah yes, that's too often forgotten. I'd even forgot about that point, myself. R.I.P. to all of our brave service men who lost their lives on Iwo Jima and elsewhere.

[The KG9 Kid]

Semper Fi, Joe.

RIP

[dayglored]

> R.I.P. to all of our brave service men who lost their lives on Iwo Jima and elsewhere.

Each morning, before I start my day, I offer two little prayers of thanks: one to my Mom for giving my life, and the other to those brave souls who fought and died so that I might life my life in freedom.

Only takes a minute, but it makes the day a lot more meaningful.

[HAL9000]

Truly a classic photo. RIP Mr. Rosenthal.

[Chieftain]

RIP, Joe Rosenthal. Your photo inspires Marines and Americans to this day.

[ALOHA RONNIE]

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The Words:

http://www.Freerepublic.com/~ALOHARONNIE


The Pictures:

http://www.lzxray.com/guyer_set1.htm
http://www.lzxray.com/guyer_set2.htm
http://www.lzxray.com/guyer_set3.htm
http://www.lzxray.com/guyer_collection.htm


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[Liberal Classic]

Semper Fi, Joe. You snapped an American icon. Vaya con Dios.

[bushfamfan]

Michael Strank, Ira Hayes and Rene Gagnon are buried in Arlington Nat'l Cemetery, got to see 'em myself. It's a shame most people only visit JFK.

[fieldmarshaldj]

May he rest in peace.

[ALOHA RONNIE]

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The Statue:

http://www.RickRescorla.com/The%20Statue.htm


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[doug from upland]

Arguably, the greatest photo ever.