 Enjoyed the knowlege - but sad nonetheless
Spending the better part of my childhood with The Photograph painted on one of our living room walls, I now have a better understanding as of "why". This book was very interesting to me. My father was a Marine that fought in the Korean War and reading the book gave me great insight into why my Dad felt the need to join the Marines when he was just 17 in 1945 - just about the time the Iwo Jima photograph frenzy made it's way around the country!
My Dad suffers from dementia now which is really sad also because I would like to discuss the information about how cruel the Japanese soldiers were and how being a Marine in those days must of filled him with pride.
I enjoyed the fact that I learned that was the second flag planted on Mount Suribachi and that Joe Rosenthal just happened to snap the 1/400th of a frame that will live on in history as the meaning of patriotism and valor that this country once had. Very well documented data of the six men that performed such a menial duty that became the country's symbol of heroism for WWII.
This book has a great story behind the Photograph and brings it to my heart anew.
One of the best books I have ever read
To follow the lives of the men who raised that famous flag on Iwo Jima from youth to death is truly a fascinating story. As you read this tears will well up in your eyes as these men live through hell on earth. The eventual triumph of the battle isn't the end of the story. You learn how these men lived out the rest of their lives.
 Makes you wonder
It makes me wonder why a son would write a book about an experience his father felt was worth keeping a closed heart about? Having heard and read stories about personal accounts of WWII, and the emotionanal stress of the veterans trying to recover to a normal life, I can understand why no one would want to talk about the war. Would anyone today, who maybe has seen some gruesome site, want to describe it to their children? John Bradley never wanted the spotlight, but his son can't seem to understand that. He tries to make his dad into a, "Hero", which his dad never wanted to be. For that, and the poorly written, "Flyboys", which has no point, I give this book one star.
 Remembering Our Heros
This is a book everyone must read. Too many people have taken our "freedom" for granted.
Suitable for WWII history buffs
Can't go to wrong if your historical interest is the U.S. Marines assault of Iwo Jima during WWII. Combines human interest with historical fact, and is presented in a readable form. Some of the battle descriptions may not be suitable for those with a weak stomach.
|
