78th anniversary of flag raising at Iwo Jima is Feb. 23

On Feb. 23, 1945, the fighting on the small volcanic island of Iwo Jima had been raging for five days, with both American and Japanese forces suffering heavy casualties - eventually more than 6,500 Americans and 21,000 Japanese troops would be killed over 36 days of fighting.

The 78th anniversary of U.S. forces raising a flag on Iwo Jima recognizes a brief moment in time captured in an iconic photograph that both recognized one of the World War II’s bloodiest battles and became a symbol synonymous with the Marine Corps.

Photographer Joe Rosenthal, of The Associated Press, hurriedly snapped a photo of six Marines who’d been ordered to raise a flag atop Mount Suribachi, the island’s highest point.

The rest of the story is a moment in history that will live forever in the hearts of those who choose to remember the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation.