Iwo Jima Essay

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Jason E. Ross: English 101 Essay: Photo Exercise (Revised) Subject: The Flag Raising at Iwo Jima “Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue” I chose the photo of the flag raising on top of Mt. Suribachi in Iwo Jima, Japan for the historical remembrance of American patriotism and valor. I have a deep admiration for this photo because I was one of the few and the proud Marines that actually had the opportunity to visit the Island of Iwo Jima (which is still occupied by the Japanese) and Mt. Suribachi, to see where this momentous flag raising took place. I believe it portrays the real image of “American Victory at War”, and stands for the very freedom that every American carries in their heart. It is a true symbol of patriotism. Because I was fortunate enough to experience this in person, and see it with my own eyes, I almost felt like I was there when this historic event took place. It confirmed my new found perspective of “seeing is believing”. You tend to appreciate history better by associating yourself with it. It is a memory I will carry with me forever. It is difficult to put into words the emotions one may feel while looking at this photo. It tells a story, of how six Marines pulled together to create an image in time that will last forever. Perhaps the incredible feeling of comradery and togetherness, they must have felt while raising that “Flag of Victory” high in the air. The Volcanic Island of Iwo Jima lies 650 miles southeast of Tokyo, Japan. Mt. Suribachi is the 550-foot volcanic cone at the islands southern tip, where the famous flag raising took place. The island was considered Japanese soil, and was administered by the Tokyo metropolitan government. In Japan’s 5,000 year history, no foreign Army had ever successfully set foot on Japanese soil. The U.S. interest in Iwo Jima

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