Ira Hayes: Akimel O'odham Marine and Flag Raiser
Ira Hayes was an Akimel O'odham (Pima) U.S. Marine from the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona, and one of the six men in Joe Rosenthal's photograph of the second flag raising on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima, during World War II. Students learn about his service, the fame that never sat easily with him, and his struggles after the war, and how Sacaton still honors him with a memorial park, an annual parade, and a powwow. They practice telling a full, respectful story of service and struggle, starting with naming his tribe and community correctly.
For commemoration and event dates, check announcements from theGila River Indian Community andAmerican Legion Ira H. Hayes Post 84.