During my photojournalism studies, we looked at iconic photographs from throughout the years.
One image that is instantly recognizable by every American is the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima by members of the United States Marine Corps.
Associated Press photojournalist Joe Rosenthal took this photograph on February 23, 1945, during the final stages of the Pacific War.
In keeping with last week’s post on D-Day, I began thinking about the various images from the front lines of battlefields that brought the war into the homes of people hundreds or thousands of miles away.
I am not the only one who has contemplated the role of war photographers throughout time.
Stacker compiled “60 Historic Photos from American Military History.”
Of course, the Iwo Jima image is in the collection. What surprised me were the first two photos in the article: one from the Sioux Wars in 1868 and one of President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War in 1862.
All of these photos reveal the humanity amongst the bombs and bullets.
I think it’s too easy to listen to news coverage of war, such as the one in Ukraine, and hear about missiles flying and drones attacking. But there is a human element to war, even with these “robotic” weapons.
It’s too easy to get desensitized to war (or violence of any kind) in today’s culture. However, upon examining these images, I see a group of young people who chose to travel to a foreign land to fight for the principles of freedom and humanity.
I pray we never forget their sacrifice.
PHOTO CREDIT: By Joe Rosenthal – https://www.apnews.com/f00e1181d57a414a848ac96b772839fddirect link This file was derived from: Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, larger.jpeg, Public Domain, Link
