The first flag, measuring 54x28 inches, was obtained from attack
transport USS Missoula (APA-211), and raised on a 20-foot section
of pipe at 10:20 a.m.
Several hours later, an 8-foot-long battle ensign, obtained from tank
landing ship LST-779, was raised, resulting in Associated Press
photographer Joe Rosenthal's famous photograph of the flag raising.
When
Marines raised the flag on Mount Suribachi, Navajo Code Talkers relayed
the message with the Navajo words for: Sheep - Uncle - Ram
- Ice - Bear - Ant - Cat - Horse - Itch.
(Code Talker Page)
This photograph inspired the bronze monument to the Marine Corps by
Felix de Welden located near Arlington National Cemetery.
Two rifles and helmets stand as
a memorial to the two Marines from Motor Transportation Company,
Regimental Combat Team 7, who were killed by hostile actions near Fallujah
Sept 24, 2004.
Lance Cpl. Ramone Mateo, 21, motor
transport mechanic, and Lance Cpl. Arron Boyles, 25, motor transport
operator, gave their lives during stability and stabilization operations
in Iraq.
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