Now all together
Artist
C C Beall
Date1945
Object number00017908
NamePoster
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 659 x 468 mm, 0.05 kg
ClassificationsPosters and postcards
Credit LineANMM Collection
Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionThe battle for Iwo Jima resulted in some of the most savage fighting in World War II and the loss of 6825 American servicmen. This poster shows four Marines raising the American flag on 23 December 1945 to claim victory on the island. It was issued by the United States Treasury Office and became a popular poster.HistoryIn the final stages of World War II Japan and America battled for the strategic location of Iwo Jima. After some of the most ferociuos fighting in the war America claimed victory on the island, one step closer to their final supremacy. At Iwo Jima, photographer Joe Rosenthal captured four Marines planting the American flag into the top of Mount Suribachi. This image would become one of the most famous photos taken during the conflict and an enduring symbol of American patriotism and resilience.
On September 11, 2001, America suffered another devastating attack. In the aftermath, firemen at Ground Zero raised the American flag, echoing the flag-raising on Iwo Jima half a century before. This event sparked another poster campaign in the United States and images and slogans drew heavily on their World War II counterparts. The intent was the same in both campaigns, to raise patriotism, illicit support for governmental changes and rally the American people against a threat to their way of life.SignificanceThis enduring image records the battle for Iwo Jima and has become a recognised symbol of American heroism. More recently, it was used to unify Americans after the terroist attack in New York on 11 September 2001.
