Look at the photograph again.

Joe Rosenthal’s image, the most reproduced photograph in American history, the image that became a postage stamp and a bronze memorial and a symbol of the national will.

Six figures, leaning into the effort of raising a heavy metal pipe with a flag attached to the top.

The pole rising diagonally across the frame.

The grey Pacific sky behind them.

The volcanic rock and debris of the summit of Mount Suribachi beneath their boots.