This outstanding bronze immortalizes Joe Rosenthal's famous picture depicting Ira Hayes, Franklin Sousley, Harold Schultz, Harlon Block, Michael Strank, and Harold Keller as they raise the flag on the summit of Mt. Suribachi during the battle of Iwo Jima. This image is the embodiment of the struggle that was the American island hopping campaign. It shows the American people the fighting spirit of the troops, and that even under heavy fire and amongst some of the most brutal fighting of the Second World War, the country and the flag are above all else. With support for the war wanning on the home front, this image, circulated by the American press, is in a large part responsible for the continued support of the war and rallying the war weary American people. This is by far one of the most iconic images to come out of WWII, and it has been perfectly reproduced in bronze. The bronze shows an exceptional level of detail, down to the very kit each man was carrying on his belt at the time the photograph was taken. It has been hand colorized showing the grit and grime on the men raising the flag which shows a bright finish in sharp contrast to the muted and somber color pallet of the men, once again showing the flag as the focal point of the imagery. There is a brass plaque reading "SURIBACHI'S SUMMIT/IWO JIMA FEBRUARY 23, 1945" is on either side of the hardwood base. The bronze measures 25x10 inches at the base and 34 inches at the tip of the flag. It stands on a granite plinth that measures 28x12 1/2 inches. Signed with a "PV" in an oval and dated 2014. As explained in included letters, Dennis P. Nobile commissioned Dave Venell to create five of these statues, and retired L.A. Sheriff captain and decorated Vietnam Marine Jim Hackett arranged for the Greatest Generation Foundation to donate one statue to the White House where it was on display outside the oval office (copies of photos of the White House statue are included). An included letter from then President Donald Trump on White House letterhead thanks Nobile for commissioning the statue that went to the White House. All letters are laminated.

Excellent, showing only minor display/storage type wear with beautiful color and detail. This piece truly captures the essence of America's Greatest Generation and their victory over a brutal and seemingly unstoppable enemy.