Reply #6: My ex-father in law was a WWII vet who was present when that

[Democrat 4 Ever]

photo was taken. He wasn't one of the ones raising the flag but he fought (and wounded - two purple hearts) with that unit. He always said that it was a staged photo op. That the flag was raised but wasn't caught on film. (He also claimed that some of the men who are in the photo weren't part of the group that actually raised the flag the first time.) That's when the powers to be went back, rounded up the soldiers and had them re-raise the flag for posterity.

The FIL was a gung ho Marine who loved everything about war - ack! His stories were retold and retold over the years at every chance - with more "Japs" killed by his bayonet with each retelling. He was one of those who's life peaked during WWII and wanted to relive it daily. He saw nothing but good in war and he scared the hell out of me. (My stepfather was also a veteran who served under Patton in Europe and you couldn't get him to talk about the war for any reason. He died and I always wondered what had happened to him over there - he was a kind, loving, handsome man who was completely broken) Because the FIL was such a cheerleader for any and all wars (thought Viet Nam was just peachy keen and anyone who thought differently was just a wuss) I gave come credence to his assertion it was staged for the war effort. He wouldn't criticize just for the hell of it.

Does that take away from the effort of those guys on that South Pacific island, no, not at all. But it does make me question every damn thing my government tries to push as the truth.