Introduction
This exhibit and museum were created during an introductory seminar on the Asia-Pacific War, taught at Wake Forest University during the spring semester 2002.
The material and opinions are those of their respective authors and do not represent the views of the University or the Department of History.
This project discusses the battle for control of the island of Iwo Jima from February 16- March 25, 1945. I will present the battle, the strategies for both sides, the famous flagraising and picture by Joe Rosenthal pictured above, and the consequences for both sides.
I became fascinated with this particular Pacific battle through James Bradley's book Flags of Our Fathers. Bradley's father, John, was one of the flagraisers in the picture. The book tells the life stories and battle experiences of all six of the flagraisers. It is extremely well written and intrigued me with the battle and those soldiers involved enoughto cause me to research it extensively and do this project for this class.
The picture above is not of the original flagraising on Mt. Suribachi, but of the raising of the replacement flag . However, it became famous because it represented the essence of what it is to be a soldier to both American civilians and soldiers alike. It shows the American fighting spirit and it became a patriotic symbol and a source of national pride.
This exhibit was researched and designed by Brad Smith.