Time Magazine Earth Day Cover Sparks Debate

Time Magazine's cover for Earth Day has sparked debate about whether circumventing the iconic symbol of the battle of Iwo Jima raising the American Flag for an Earth Day magazine cover is appropriate.

Time has taken the famous photograph of World War II Marines raising the American Flag on Iwo Jima and have replaced the flag with a tree. The border of the cover has been changed from the traditional red to green, in honor of Earth Day.

American Marines and World War II Veterans have expressed outrage that a picture that has become symbolic of the fight for freedom during the Second World War should be altered to symbolize the battle against global warming. The Time Magazine cover has even been called sacrilegious.

While probably not sacrilegious, the cover may be called tacky and in poor taste. There appears to be a lack of good judgment shown, especially considering that their are Marines battling in Irag right now. The famous photo has become symbolic for Marines. Marines in training and in battle are motivated by the picture of the soldiers placing the flag at Iwo Jima.

The Battle of Iwo Jima, between the United States and Japan, took place in February and March of 1945. Both Japan and the United States sustained a severe loss of life in the battle. John Bradley, one of Marines who raised the flag and survived the battle described how the Marines put the flag up in the midst of battle. Of the six men who raised the American flag on Iwo Jima, only three made it back home. Three of the brave military men in the famous picture lost their lives not long after the picture was taken.

Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima is a iconic historic photograph that was taken in 1945 by Joe Rosenthal. The picture depicts a historic event, when five United States Marines and a U. S. Navy corpsman raised the flag on on of Mount Suribachi during the WWII Battle of Iwo Jima in the Pacific. The photograph, depicting an actual wartime event, won a Pulitzer Prize and was published in several magazines. The photograph inspired songs, statues and movies.

The photograph, Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, is a respected symbol, particularly for U.S. Marines. The historic photograph is reportedly used as a part of the training and motivation for generations of Marines who have served since World War II.

Earth Day was started in 1970, to bring attention to environmental concerns, such as global warming. People who are concerned with he environment need to practice conservation every day, not just one day a year. Conservation and the environment are an important concern, but are a different type of battle than the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Time Magazine altered and used the symbolic picture Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima to bring attention to the battle against global warning. The creative geniuses of Time Media could probably have found a better cover symbol without "borrowing" another important symbol.

The photograph, Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, serves as an important symbol to generations of military men and women. Many who have served in the military have been offended by the alteration of the iconic photograph.

Time Magazine was trying to draw attention to an Earth Day, and they succeeded. However, they could have brought attention to Earth Day without offending military service people who have put their lives on the line for our freedom.

Think that disrespecting the military service people who defend your rights is no big deal? Try living in a country where disrespect in not tolerated. The U.S. Marines, veterans of World War II and the subsequent battles and wars fight for your right for freedom. They deserve your respect.

Time Magazine probably did not intend to be disrespectful, but there are people who perceive this magazine cover as a slap in the face.

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