The Iconic Image from Iwo Jima: The Most Reproduced and Parodied Photo in History?

This post has been updated to include additional images.

Photographer Joe Rosenthal admitted that when he took a shot of five Marines and one Navy corpsman raising the U.S. flag on Iwo Jima’s Mt. Suribachi on Feb. 23, 1945, he had no idea that he had captured something extraordinary. He was setting up for a different shot when he spotted the group of men planting the flag and quickly took a snap without even looking through the viewfinder. The chance photo would become iconic overnight and go on to win the Pulitzer Prize.

“Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima” is often cited as being the most reproduced photograph in history. It is also probably the most parodied image in the world. The “Iwo Jima pose” has become a popular symbol for organizations or movements wishing to convey victory, teamwork, or patriotism. The use of the image has ranged from respectful homage to what some consider offensive misappropriation.

Art and Sculpture

Foreign Militaries

Several Foreign militaries have adopted the pose for a variety of uses.

Stamps and Currency

Album Covers

Bands striking the Iwo Jima pose has become cliché.

Magazines, Comics and Book Covers

Activism

Editorial Cartoons

Among other commentary, the Iwo Jima pose is regularly used in satirical cartoons.

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Pop Culture

Indicative of its relevance as a cultural touchstone, the Iwo Jima pose has been referenced on The Simpsons at least six times – “New Kid on the Blecch,” “Selma’s Choice,” “LargeMarge,” “Rosebud,” “Half Decent Proposal,” and “Mr. Spritz Goes to Washington.”