Joe Rosenthal has died

Joe Rosenthal, the photographer who took the flag-raising photo at Iwo Jima died today. Now, there is a photograph that truly deserves to be called iconic. And, remember, for Rosenthal to have gotten that picture meant that he was right there along with those Marines as they fought their way to the top of Mt. Suribachi. This link has a short video (look in the left column) of Mr. Rosenthal talking about his photo and some film shot of the raising of that flag on Mt. Suribachi.

I visited the Iwo Jima Marine Memorial for the first time this year and I was so very moved by the statue inspired by Rosenthal's photograph. I have the photo up in my room when I'm teaching about World War II and I often find myself studying it and thinking about the courage and determination of those young men. It's not often that one photo can move so many people for so many decades. Rest in peace, Mr. Rosenthal.