by Julia Bryan
Just over 80 years ago, in February 1945, the Marines landed at Iwo Jima. The battle fought on that island lasted for five weeks, and almost 7000 Americans died.
Just over 80 years ago, in February 1945, the Marines landed at Iwo Jima. The battle fought on that island lasted for five weeks, and almost 7000 Americans died.
Today, we remember Iwo Jima mostly because of the photograph below—an image that swept across the free world when it was published, inspiring hope and reminding us that Americans from all walks of life stood together, fighting with unwavering resolve for freedom.
Marine Corps Pfc. Ira Hayes was one of the young men who raised that flag on February 23. He was a member of the Pima tribe in Arizona, and was 22 at the time of the battle. He spent the entire 5 weeks on the island, and was one of the few Marines who survived from his platoon. After the war he was so well known he was asked to tour the country to help sell war bonds. His story should not be erased, as it was this March, from the Department of Defense's website. Find out more about Pfc Hayes here, and keep his story going.
