Insights

In December 2024, San Francisco, California, renamed a block in downtown to honor the acclaimed photojournalist Joe Rosenthal, who is renowned for his iconic image of U.S. Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima during World War II. This ceremony took place on the 600 block of Sutter Street, close to Union Square, and was celebrated with military officials, political figures, and members of Rosenthal's family. The decision to name the street was spearheaded by the USMC Combat Correspondents Association, acknowledging not only Rosenthal's contribution to war photography but also his dedicated work as a photographer for the San Francisco Chronicle over a 35-year career. Rosenthal, who passed away in 2006, was recognized not just for capturing a historic moment but also for documenting everyday life in San Francisco, illustrating the bond between the city and its notable figures.