June 13, 2005
In February of 1945 US Marines invaded the island of Iwo Jima to shut down an advance warning base which alerted the Japanese home islands that the B-29 bombers were coming. Also to give an emergency landing field for crippled aircraft and later as an air base. The symbolic sign of their victory sent around the world was a photograph of 6 marines raising a flag on Mount Suribachi.
What came to be known as "The Photograph" was in reality the second flag raised on the peak. The first was smaller and taken down as a memento by the commanding Colonel who ordered another patrol to replace it. Millers "Armed Services Memorial Edition" History of WW2 says "Lieutenant rallied a patrol around him and brushed all opposition aside to plant the flag.at 10:35 in the morning." (p907) That indeed is the story of the first flag. But it was not "the picture that became the most famous of the war." The flag made famous by the AP photographer with the patrol was the second flag carried by another patrol to the top without any opposition at all a few hours later and put up by the 6 marines some of whom, passing by, were called upon to help including John "Doc" Bradley the corpsman. There was also a misidentification of the 6th figure in "The Photograph."
When those involved tried to get the recorders of the event to get the story right they were either told it makes no difference or it is too late. I am following this dramatic story in a book called "Flags of Our Fathers" by Doc Bradley's son.
Pilate said a long time ago, "What is truth." (John 18:38) This was in an exchange with Jesus after Jesus had said, "I came into the world to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." Pilate then went out and told Jesus' accusers that he couldn't find a case against him.
The point of all of this is that it's very hard to find truth anywhere. We say we tell the truth but feel that a little white lie is OK if it's for a good purpose. Jesus said if we want to find truth listen to my voice. When we attempt to judge what is true, perhaps we need to listen more closely to his voice.
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