By February 1945 the United States had been fighting World War II for more than three years. Soldiers were worn down from battle, and civilians were drained by sacrifice. But a photograph of Marines raising an American flag on Japanese soil gave a wearied nation a renewed sense of pride and hope. This powerful image of strength and determination became the most famous image of the war. It not only captured a moment of victory against a strong foe. It also represented the effort every member of the armed forces had made and offered Americans the promise of victory and an end to conflict.