Legendary photojournalist Joe rosenthal, whose iconic image of US Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima during World War II became a symbol of American resilience, was honored in San Francisco with a street named in his memory. The 600 block of Sutter Street, nestled near the bustling Union Square, is now officially designated as Joe Rosenthal Way.
Rosenthal, who passed away in 2006 at the age of 94, captured the Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph while working for The Associated Press. Following the war, he joined the San Francisco Chronicle as a staff photographer and spent 35 years documenting the city’s vibrant tapestry of life – from the everyday to the extraordinary. His lens captured not just famous figures like a young Willie Mays receiving his San Francisco Giants cap in 1957, but also heartwarming scenes like children exuberantly racing towards freedom on the last day of school in 1965.
The street renaming ceremony,held Thursday morning,brought together San Francisco’s political leaders,military dignitaries,and members of Rosenthal’s family.Aaron Peskin, President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, led the tribute to the photographer, born to Russian Jewish immigrant parents in Washington, D.C.
Tom Graves, historian for the USMC Combat Correspondents Association, a driving force behind the street naming initiative, highlighted the photograph’s monumental impact. It became the centerpiece of a war bonds poster that raised a staggering $26 billion in 1945, significantly contributing to the war effort. Graves emphasized not only Rosenthal’s wartime contribution but also his dedication to capturing the essence of San francisco through his daily photographic chronicles.Graves expressed hope that the street sign would spark curiosity in both locals and tourists, leading them to discover rosenthal’s story and his remarkable ability to capture the world through his lens, despite battling eyesight challenges.
Rosenthal remained humble about his achievements, considering himself a fortunate observer documenting the bravery of soldiers. When praised for his Pulitzer-winning image, he humbly stated, “Sure, I took the photo. But the Marines took Iwo Jima.”
What impact did Joe Rosenthal’s photograph of the Iwo Jima flag raising have on American culture during World War II?
Q&A with Tom Graves, Historian for the USMC Combat Correspondents Association: honoring Joe Rosenthal
Time.news Editor: Tom, thank you for joining us today too discuss the remarkable legacy of Joe Rosenthal and the recent street naming ceremony in San Francisco.can you explain the significance of the photograph he captured on Iwo Jima?
Tom Graves: Absolutely. Joe Rosenthal’s photograph of US Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima is not just an iconic image; it’s a profound symbol of american resilience during World War II. The photo played a crucial role in unifying the nation, becoming the centerpiece of a war bonds poster that raised an astounding $26 billion in 1945. This image encapsulated hope and courage for many Americans and remains a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during wartime.
Time.news Editor: It’s amazing to think about the impact that a single photograph can have on a nation. Beyond this iconic image, how did Rosenthal continue to shape the world of photojournalism in San francisco?
Tom Graves: After world War II, Rosenthal moved to the San Francisco Chronicle, where he spent 35 years documenting the city’s vibrant life. he had this unique ability to capture moments—ordinary and extraordinary—like the joy of children on the last day of school or the excitement of a young Willie Mays.His work effectively created a visual tapestry of San Francisco, showcasing its culture and spirit. This dedication to the everyday lives of residents set a standard for what photojournalism can achieve.
Time.news Editor: During the ceremony, you mentioned the hope that the new street sign would inspire curiosity about Rosenthal’s story. Why is it important for both locals and tourists to learn about his contributions?
Tom Graves: Joe Rosenthal’s journey is a remarkable story of perseverance. Born to Russian Jewish immigrant parents, he faced challenges that could have limited his achievements, including battling eyesight issues. By shining a light on his contributions, we honor not just his memory but also the ethos of resilience and creativity he embodied. I hope that understanding his work will encourage others to appreciate the power of photography to document history and evoke emotions.
Time.news Editor: That’s a powerful message, Tom. As the world of journalism continues to evolve, what practical advice would you give to aspiring photojournalists looking to make their mark in the industry today?
tom Graves: My advice would be to always stay curious and committed to your craft. Be an observer of life; each moment has a story to tell. additionally, embrace challenges and learn from them. Like rosenthal, who humbly acknowledged that while he took the picture, it was the bravery of the Marines that truly mattered, remember that your role as a photojournalist is to highlight the voices and stories of others. Invest in developing your unique perspective and let each photo you take reflect the world through your lens.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Tom, for sharing your insights into Joe Rosenthal’s legacy and the current landscape of photojournalism. As we honor such a legendary figure, may his spirit continue to inspire future generations of photographers.
Tom Graves: thank you for having me. It was a pleasure to discuss Joe Rosenthal’s extraordinary life and contributions.