San Francisco Honors Iwo Jima Photographer with Street Naming
San Francisco Honors Iconic War Photographer Joe Rosenthal with Street Naming
SAN FRANCISCO – The legacy of Joe Rosenthal,the Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer who captured the iconic image of U.S. Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima, was cemented in San Francisco Thursday with the dedication of “Joe Rosenthal Way.”
The 600 block of Sutter Street, near bustling Union Square, now bears the name of the renowned photojournalist, who spent 35 years documenting the city’s vibrant life for the San Francisco Chronicle after his wartime service.
“Joe Rosenthal Way” is a fitting tribute to a man who not only captured a defining moment in history but also chronicled the everyday stories of San Francisco, from a young Willie Mays getting fitted for his Giants cap to children celebrating the last day of school.
The ceremony, held Thursday morning, drew city officials, military representatives, and members of Rosenthal’s family. Aaron Peskin, President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, praised Rosenthal’s contributions, both as a war correspondent and as a chronicler of San Francisco life.
“I’ve grown over the years to appreciate also his role as a San Francisco newspaper photographer who,as Supervisor Peskin says,went to work every day photographing the city where we all live,we all love,” said Tom graves,chapter historian for the USMC combat Correspondents Association,a key proponent of the street naming.
Graves and others hope the street sign will spark curiosity, leading tourists and locals alike to discover Rosenthal’s remarkable story – a story of a man with poor eyesight who possessed an unusual talent for composition.
Rosenthal, who died in 2006 at age 94, famously downplayed his role in capturing the iconic Iwo Jima image. “Sure, I took the photo,” he once said. “But the Marines took Iwo jima.”
His humility belied the profound impact of his work. The photograph, which became the centerpiece of a war bonds poster, helped raise $26 billion in 1945 and is credited by many with bolstering American morale during World War II.
Now,”Joe rosenthal way” serves as a permanent reminder of the photographer’s enduring legacy,both as a witness to history and as a chronicler of the city he called home.
Capturing History and Hearts: A Conversation on Joe Rosenthal Way
NewsDirectory3: Joining us today is Tom Graves, chapter historian for the USMC combat Correspondents Association. Mr. Graves, the City of San Francisco just dedicated “Joe Rosenthal Way.” Can you tell us a little about your connection to Mr. Rosenthal and what this street naming means?
tom Graves: it’s an honor to be here. I’ve admired Joe Rosenthal’s work for many years. The USMC Combat Correspondents Association played a key role in advocating for this tribute. Joe’s iconic photo of Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima is seared into the American consciousness. But his story goes beyond that single image. He dedicated his life to documenting history, both globally through his war reportage and locally through his compelling photography for the San Francisco Chronicle.
NewsDirectory3: Mr. Rosenthal was known for his humility. He famously said, “Sure, I took the photo. But the Marines took Iwo Jima.” How do you think he would feel about having a street named in his honor?
Tom Graves: Joe was a modest man. I believe he would be humbled by this recognition. But I also think he would be delighted that his legacy continues to inspire others. He believed in the power of images to tell stories and connect people.
NewsDirectory3: What are your hopes for “Joe Rosenthal Way”? Will it pique people’s curiosity?
Tom Graves: Absolutely. This street sign is a starting point for discovering Joe Rosenthal’s remarkable life and work.Tourists and San Franciscans alike can learn about a photographer who captured both the extraordinary and the ordinary, reminding us of the power of a single image and the importance of chronicling our collective experience.