13 hands (1 Viewer)

[kx1a]

Many of us have visited the Iwo Jima Memorial in Washington, D.C. or have seen replicas of it elsewhere. The memorial illustrates 6 of the many young men who fought and shed their blood on that far-away place. 6 young men rasing a flag, yet if you look closely at the staff you will find 13 hands. Anyone care to speculate what the 13th hand represents??
Bill W
Semper Fi

 

[Currahee Chris]

The fact that the Marines cannot count!!

 

[kx1a]

The fact that the Marines cannot count!!

OOOh shame on you

 

[Currahee Chris]

OOOh shame on you

hehehehehe

admitedly, this is a good question and I do look forward to the answer.

 

[hsm]

I think it is one for the Unknown Soldier.
send me a prize.

This statue is a must see if you are doing the DC visit!! short walk I seem to remember, ftom the gates of Arlington.

 

[kx1a]

I think it is one for the Unknown Soldier.
send me a prize.

This statue is a must see if you are doing the DC visit!! short walk I seem to remember, ftom the gates of Arlington.

Good guess but no, that's not what the builder says.
Bill W

 

[hsm]

Good guess but no, that's not what the builder says.
Bill W

it is a myth!
there are 12 hands on the pole- perhps the 13th "warrior" is supposed to be GOD

 

[kx1a]

When asked the builder said it was the hand of God. True or not still a nice sentiment.
Bill W

 

[Currahee Chris]

When asked the builder said it was the hand of God. True or not still a nice sentiment.
Bill W

Agreed- very cool!!! I will bring it up to some of my gym buddies who are Marines. Bet they'd like to know that, if they don't already.

 

[kx1a]

Agreed- very cool!!! I will bring it up to some of my gym buddies who are Marines. Bet they'd like to know that, if they don't already.

Make sure you aske them if they count that high
Bill

 

[Currahee Chris]

Make sure you aske them if they count that high
Bill

I'll lend my hands and fingers into the equation!!

 

[Scott]

http://www.snopes.com/military/sixboys.asp

 

[kx1a]

Thank you. As I said before. True or not it's a nice sentiment
Bill W

 

[Scott]

It's a religious opinion inserted over what the sculptor intended and the facts of the incident. The story implies a tribal god over a universal god and is supposed to give the warm fuzzies to the horror of the battle. The photo was an accident of camera shutter speed that the officer who chose the photo gave meaning to. Let's keep the credit with the live Marines the monument represents.

 

[PanzerAce1944]

My guess is the 13th hand represents the next marine who would have been ready
to raise the flag.^&confuse