62 years ago today, US troops raised the Stars and Stripes over Iwo Jima, four days after landing on the Japanese-held volcanic island.
The battle for Iwo Jima was described as the toughest fight in US Marine history by the commander of the Marines in the Pacific, Lt. General M "Howling Mad" Smith.
Photographer Joe Rosenthal took the photo that has come to be an icon in American history.
Some claim that Rosenthal had the photo staged. I have researched that "opinion" and found it not to be credible. The flag raising was a legitimate event and was not staged.
On this day, we need to look at the photo, think about those fine young men, and thank the good Lord above that they were there to serve our country. They are some of the true heroes of their generation.
Link here to a photo montage of the famous event.
