This Day in History

62 years ago today, there were two flag raisings on Mount Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima by U.S. Marines.

When the first flag was raised, it so incensed the remaining Japanese troops in their caves and tunnels within the Mount (really not much more than a hill - the eroded remains of an extinct volcano) that they came out and attacked the Marines on the summit. Because these Japanese attacked piecemeal with no leadership they were all killed.

Shortly thereafter, a larger flag was sent to the summit, and this second flag raising was the one made famous by the photo taken by Joe Rosenthal.

Also, today is the birthday of She Who Must Be Obeyed. Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!