.jpg)
Image: AP photographer Joe Rosenthal’s photo is the
most famous news photograph in history. The original
photo negative, is preserved in the archives of the AP
in New York
- Wiki Commons. (here)
Sunday Whirl Wordle with words:
assault cage double
easy fuel
guess list mercy six trigger type
Caged in by
enemy fire
The assault on
the island of Iwo Jima
took a dramatic turn
when it happened
when it happened
on the morning of Feb 23, 1945
A patrol of Marines made
not an easy climb
to the island’s volcanic Peak
Mount Suribachi where
they raised a small American flag
It fueled a
roar
from troops on the beach and
on ships off-shore
It was no guess
they were so inspired
that a decision was made
to raise another larger flag
and triggered off
a double take
Mercy be a list was drawn
Six marines of type hefty and strong
Hayes, Sousley, Bradley, Block, Strank
and Gagnon made the next ascent
With Photographer Rosenthal
standing by they raised a second flag
An image captured for posterity
Reputed to be the most famous
war photograph in history
Submitted for Brenda's Sunday Whirl Wordle # 150 and
shared with Mary's at Poets United's Poetry Pantry #191
I've read that that iconic photograph is a recreation of the original event. Do you suppose that's true? Thrilling story anyway!
ReplyDeleteI don't really know. It may be true in the sense that it was staged a second time with the photographer at hand. But the event did take place I'm sure as the names of the six Marines were cited!
DeleteHank
Nicely encapsulated a moment of history.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written..the six names are haunting..as is the choice of language and tone..
ReplyDeletenicely captured...always liked the idea of historic events captured in a poem.
ReplyDeleteWell, you tell the story of the re-creation, since they'd already raised the flag even in your poem--I can't even imagine the suffering of the troops--it was a truly terrible battle--you give the sense of the recreation here. Thanks. k.
ReplyDeletewhat a moment to be there....i wonder if they realized the significance of it...as much as the immortalization has made of it....or if their only though was of taking and holding the hill...
ReplyDeleteAnd what a moment it is, very thrilling narration Hank ~
ReplyDeleteEven a posed photo cannot detract from the powerful symbolism here. A well crafted and very readable account. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHank, your poem preserves such a memorable event so well. These marines are forever immortalized by their deed. And the photo will serve as a reminder forever.
ReplyDeleteInside story, nothing like being there!
ReplyDeleteWell done. Nice connection between the picture and your words
ReplyDeleteSometimes the little moments you think nothing of can truly go down in history.
ReplyDeleteHistorical poetry always captures my attention. Well written and thank you,
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
Such a terrible time and a doorway to some peace… beautifully expressed Hank.
ReplyDeleteVery inspiring poem and interesting historical content. It truly is a fantastic photo.
ReplyDeleteVery nice historic piece! It brings to mind the famous Johnny Cash song about Ira Hayes.
ReplyDeleteA moment inked in history
ReplyDeletea worthy tribute to a historical moment...very well penned...
ReplyDeleteA news article/poem, i like the idea of it! :)
ReplyDeleteWell done, Hank. The story of Private Hayes is a sad one. Sorry for not making it here last week, but I am having a hard time adjusting to Michael being gone.
ReplyDeletePamela
Really a terrible time--and really a nice piece of writing!
ReplyDeletehaha, touching emotions.
ReplyDeleteI think you used the words very effectively.. and that picture stays with my mind.. well done narration.
ReplyDeleteHow emotive some scenes in history are. The horrors of living through that age are fading as we continue to face the ongoing hate in the world.
ReplyDeleteRosenthal's work is iconic, without doubt.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.kimnelsonwrites.com/2014/02/27/prompts-and-promises/
Hank,
ReplyDeleteA very rewarding and concise piece of wonderful history, shared through your poem and great word/wordle skills:) Thank you Hank, I have learned something new today!!!
Happy Week Ahead, Eileen
Last year when I was in DC I went to see this monument. You captured in words a historical moment. Well done my friend..
ReplyDeleteYou reminded me of a favorite war reading: All quiet in the west front - by Erich Maria Remarque.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful piece.
Very nice historic piece Hank, it was an interesting read!
ReplyDeleteWonderful picture and you've captured a historical event so nicely..great play with words. :-)
ReplyDeleteClever to use these words with an historical event.
ReplyDelete