Americana | Raising the Flag

Scottsdale Mint is proud to announce the release of its latest creation, the "Raising the Flag" 1 Troy oz .999 Silver Color Bar, honoring the Battle of Iwo Jima and the soldiers who raised the flag.

The Battle of Iwo Jima and the iconic raising of the American flag on Mount Suribachi stand as enduring symbols of courage, sacrifice, and the true cost of freedom. Fought during World War II, the Battle of Iwo Jima was a critical and fiercely contested engagement between the United States and Japanese forces. This small volcanic island in the Pacific became the site of one of the most intense and brutal battles of the war, lasting from February 19 to March 26, 1945.

Amid the chaos and carnage, a moment of profound significance was captured forever in a photograph by Joe Rosenthal. On February 23, 1945, five MarinesÔÇöHarlon Block, Franklin Sousley, Michael Strank, Rene Gagnon, and Ira HayesÔÇöalong with Navy corpsman John Bradley, raised the American flag atop Mount Suribachi. This powerful image quickly became a symbol of hope, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of the American military.

The flag-raising at Iwo Jima was not just a tactical victory; it was a moment that encapsulated the perseverance and bravery of the soldiers who fought there. The image of these young men, unified in their effort to hoist the flag, became a beacon of inspiration for a nation weary from years of conflict. It represented the determination and solidarity needed to overcome immense challenges and served as a powerful reminder that freedom is often achieved through great sacrifice.

The soldiers who raised the flag on Iwo Jima were ordinary men called to perform extraordinary feats. They faced unimaginable hardships and displayed incredible valor in the face of adversity. Many of them did not live to see the end of the battle, and their ultimate sacrifice underscores the harsh reality that freedom is not free. Their actions on that volcanic rock in the Pacific helped secure a crucial victory for the Allies and paved the way for the eventual end of World War II.

The legacy of the Battle of Iwo Jima and the iconic flag-raising endures to this day. It is commemorated in the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, where a bronze statue immortalizes the moment, serving as a lasting tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of all who served. This event reminds us of the tremendous cost of war and the profound debt of gratitude owed to those who fight to protect our freedoms.