Raising the Flag at Ground Zero

Author: Thomas E. Franklin
Picture date: September 11, 2001
Published: The Record front page, September 12, 2001

The picture was taken hours after terrifying terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York City. It depicts firefighters raising the American flag at ground zero of collapsed skyscrapers. The Record's original name for the photograph is Ground Zero Spirit. Photo appeared also on the covers of several other newspapers around the world.

Photograph was shot shortly after 5 PM with a telephoto lens. Mr. Franklin came to Ground Zero by the Hudson River around noon after the towers collapsed. Firefighters were raising the American flag coming from a yacht named Star of America which was docked on the Hudson River.

The picture became the symbol of the American solidarity after terrorist attack on New York and Washington. It shows hope that the USA will reborn and become as united and stronger than ever. The United States Postal Service featured this photo on their "Heroes" stamp. Additionally, profits from stamps, which estimated over ten million dollars, were transferred to families and rescue workers of 9/11.