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A recent historical analysis has shown that the Marines on Iwo Jima probably didn’t need six people to raise that flag.
“This iconic image evokes two feelings in the heart of the viewer: patriotism and inefficiency,” reads the report, noting that half of them barely have their hands on the flag pole. “With this many Marines, they could’ve put up at least two other flags in the same amount of time it took to raise this one.”
“Most flag-raising experts attest that flag planting is a two-person job,” continued the report, suggesting that the other four Marines were only there because there was a camera. “Perhaps it would take three Marines after a hard-fought battle, but no more than that.”
At press time, reports indicate that Neil Armstrong didn’t have to say all that when he landed on the moon.
