American Patrot/Hero of the Week

Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima By: Joe Rosenthal

This will be the first of two Hero/Patriot posts this week. This week RWE honors the men who fought the Battle of Iwo Jima symbolized here by the raiseing of the flag on Mount Suribachi. It is a little known fact that there were two flags were flown that day, as the Secretary of the Navy, James Forrestal, wanted the first American flag to fly over Japaneese territorty as a souviner. Many brave men fought for our freedom, and the freedom of millions all over the world. Many, especially in this day and age forget this, but I remember. Next time you get into your car, or buy food at the grocery store, and most especially the next time you cast a ballot for your elected officials, remember the sacrifices these men paid, and that their desendants continue to pay, for our precious right. They knew the risks, and gladely paid them gladely. As a powerful nation we have a duty to bring the freedoms we enjoy to those who need, want and are willing to pay the same price we did for them. As the the great author, Stan Lee wrote, "With great power comes great responsibility." When you remember your "Rights," never forget that the overshadowed foundation of those rights is Responsibility. If you would like to know more, here is a list of Medal of Honor recipients for the Battle of Iwo Jima. I also highly recommend the book Flags of Our Fathers and The Bloody Battle for Suribachi. The former follows the lives of the six flag raisers shown in the picture above. It is look into the lives of of six brave men filled with sadness, joy and the occasional humorous story. The latter details the struggle for the mountain and island.

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND DEATH TO HER ENEMIES!