Raising the Flag at Ground Zero: The Story Behind America's Iconic 9/11 Photograph and the 25th Anniversary (2026 Guide)
Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, one photograph continues to capture the resilience, courage, and unity of the American people like no other—the iconic image of firefighters raising the American flag above the ruins of the World Trade Center.
Known as "Raising the Flag at Ground Zero," the photograph has become one of the defining images of modern American history. Taken just hours after the collapse of the Twin Towers, it symbolizes hope emerging from unimaginable tragedy and serves as a lasting tribute to the victims, survivors, firefighters, police officers, emergency responders, and countless volunteers who answered the call on one of the darkest days in U.S. history.
As the nation commemorates the 25th anniversary of September 11 in 2026, this powerful image carries even greater significance. While many Americans vividly remember where they were on September 11, 2001, an entire generation has grown up knowing the attacks only through history books, documentaries, museums, and memorial ceremonies. The photograph helps bridge that gap by telling a story of resilience that continues to inspire people around the world.
Whether you're learning about the photograph for the first time or revisiting its history during this milestone anniversary, this guide explores everything you need to know—from the events of 9/11 and the story behind the flag itself to why this image remains one of America's most enduring symbols of hope.
What Is "Raising the Flag at Ground Zero"?
Raising the Flag at Ground Zero is the name commonly given to one of the most famous photographs taken during the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
The image shows three New York City firefighters raising an American flag atop the wreckage of the World Trade Center shortly after both towers collapsed. In just a single frame, photographer Thomas E. Franklin captured an extraordinary moment that would come to represent strength, patriotism, and national unity.
Quick Facts
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Photographer: Thomas E. Franklin, staff photographer for The Bergen Record
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Date: September 11, 2001
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Time: Approximately 5:00 PM
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Location: Ground Zero, Lower Manhattan, New York City
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Subjects: Three FDNY firefighters raising the American flag above the rubble of the World Trade Center
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Also Known As: Firefighters Raising Flag, Firemen Raising the Flag at Ground Zero
Within hours of publication, the photograph appeared in newspapers across the United States. Soon afterward, it became one of the most recognizable images associated with the September 11 attacks and remains a defining visual of American resilience more than two decades later.
Unlike posed photographs created after the fact, Franklin's image captured an authentic moment amid the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts. The firefighters were simply trying to lift spirits while working through devastation, unaware that millions of people would eventually see their actions.
Thomas E. Franklin: The Photographer Behind the Iconic Image
Award-winning photojournalist Thomas E. Franklin had spent the day documenting the unfolding tragedy throughout Lower Manhattan.
Following the collapse of the Twin Towers, he moved toward the Hudson River and eventually positioned himself beneath a pedestrian bridge connecting the World Financial Center. Using a telephoto lens from roughly 150 yards away, Franklin noticed three firefighters preparing to raise an American flag on a damaged steel beam protruding from the debris.
Recognizing the emotional significance of the scene, he quickly captured several frames.
One photograph would soon become a defining image—not only of September 11 but of American history itself.
The composition immediately drew comparisons to another famous image of American heroism: the raising of the U.S. flag on Iwo Jima during World War II. Although the similarities are striking, Franklin has often explained that the firefighters were simply doing what felt right in that moment rather than attempting to recreate history.
Today, the photograph stands on its own as one of the most meaningful visual records of the attacks and their aftermath.
What Happened on September 11, 2001?
To fully understand the significance of the Ground Zero flag raising, it's important to revisit the events that unfolded on September 11, 2001.
On that clear Tuesday morning, 19 terrorists affiliated with al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial airliners in a coordinated terrorist attack against the United States.
Two aircraft were deliberately flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City.
A third aircraft struck the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia.
The fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers courageously fought back against the hijackers, preventing another intended attack on Washington, D.C.
Within hours, the world watched in disbelief as both towers collapsed, forever changing the New York City skyline and the course of American history.
The Human Cost of 9/11
The September 11 attacks remain the deadliest terrorist attack in world history.
The tragedy claimed 2,977 innocent lives, including civilians from more than 90 countries, while thousands of others suffered life-changing injuries.
Among those who made the ultimate sacrifice were:
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343 members of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY)
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37 officers of the Port Authority Police Department
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23 officers of the New York City Police Department (NYPD)
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Emergency medical personnel, military staff, and other first responders
Beyond the immediate devastation, countless rescue workers, recovery crews, and survivors have continued to face long-term health challenges caused by prolonged exposure to toxic dust and debris at Ground Zero.
The attacks also reshaped aviation security, emergency preparedness, foreign policy, and public safety across the United States and around the world.
The Extraordinary Rescue and Recovery Effort
Within minutes of the attacks, firefighters, police officers, paramedics, construction workers, and volunteers rushed toward danger while thousands of civilians desperately evacuated the area.
The rescue effort quickly became one of the largest emergency responses in American history.
More than 200 FDNY units responded to the World Trade Center, joined by hundreds of police officers and emergency medical teams from across New York City.
For months after the attacks, rescue and recovery crews worked tirelessly through unstable debris, dangerous conditions, and emotional exhaustion in hopes of finding survivors and recovering victims.
Ground Zero became more than a disaster site—it became a place where courage, sacrifice, and determination were demonstrated every single day.
It was during these rescue operations that the now-famous flag raising took place, offering a rare moment of hope amid overwhelming destruction.
Why This Photograph Became an American Symbol
Many photographs documented September 11.
Only a few became symbols recognized around the world.
Franklin's image resonates because it captures more than a historical event—it captures a national emotion.
Instead of focusing solely on destruction, the photograph represents resilience.
Instead of fear, it reflects courage.
Instead of defeat, it communicates hope.
For millions of Americans, the image reminds us that even in the face of unimaginable loss, the country's values of service, sacrifice, and unity endure.
Twenty-five years later, that message remains just as meaningful as it was on the evening of September 11, 2001.
The Story Behind the Ground Zero Flag
While the photograph itself is widely recognized, fewer people know the remarkable story of the American flag featured in the image.
The flag did not belong to the New York City Fire Department. Instead, it came from the Star of America, a yacht owned by Shirley Dreifus and her husband, Spiros E. Kopelakis, which was docked at the World Financial Center Marina along the Hudson River.
As firefighters searched through the devastated area, they noticed the flag flying from the damaged yacht.
One of the firefighters used a rescue saw to remove the flagpole from the vessel. The American flag was then carried into Ground Zero, where rescue crews hoped it could serve as a symbol of encouragement during the ongoing search and recovery mission.
Soon afterward, the firefighters discovered a steel beam rising above the massive pile of debris. They secured the flag to the beam, creating a powerful image that represented determination, hope, and the unwavering American spirit.
None of them realized that this simple act would become one of the most recognizable moments in modern history.
Who Were the Firefighters in the Photograph?
The three firefighters captured in Thomas E. Franklin's photograph were:
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George Johnson
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Dan McWilliams
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Billy Eisengrein
At the time, they were working alongside hundreds of fellow FDNY members participating in rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero.
Like thousands of first responders that day, they were focused entirely on helping others rather than making history.
In later interviews, the firefighters explained that raising the flag was never intended as a symbolic gesture for the cameras. They simply wanted to give everyone working at the site a moment of hope during an incredibly difficult day.
That authenticity is one of the reasons the photograph continues to resonate with people around the world.
It reminds us that extraordinary acts of leadership and patriotism are often carried out by ordinary people responding to extraordinary circumstances.
What Happened to the Original Ground Zero Flag?
The story did not end after Thomas E. Franklin captured the famous photograph.
In the days following the attacks, the flag unexpectedly disappeared.
For years, many people believed it had been misplaced or lost amid the enormous recovery operation.
Its disappearance became one of the lesser-known mysteries connected to Ground Zero.
Then, more than a decade later, an extraordinary discovery changed everything.
In 2014, a Seattle-based nonprofit called The New York Says Thank You Foundation announced that it had recovered what experts ultimately confirmed to be the original Ground Zero flag.
The organization spent years verifying the flag's identity through forensic analysis, historical photographs, stitching patterns, fabric damage, and testimony from witnesses connected to the events of September 11.
The recovered flag contained distinctive burn marks, tears, missing grommets, and other characteristics that matched the flag visible in Franklin's original photograph.
Its recovery was celebrated as another meaningful chapter in preserving the history of September 11.
Today, the flag continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience that emerged from one of America's greatest tragedies.
Where Is the Ground Zero Flag Today?
The original Ground Zero flag has appeared at numerous national remembrance events over the years.
It has been displayed during memorial ceremonies, educational programs, and exhibitions dedicated to preserving the legacy of September 11.
Its appearances help younger generations connect with history through an authentic artifact rather than simply reading about the attacks.
Alongside the original photograph, the flag represents the courage of first responders, the sacrifices made during the rescue effort, and the determination of Americans to rebuild after tragedy.
Visitors interested in learning more about the events of September 11 should also consider visiting the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, where exhibits preserve personal stories, artifacts, photographs, and historical records that ensure future generations will always remember what happened.
Why the Photograph Was Compared to Iwo Jima
Almost immediately after publication, newspapers began comparing Franklin's photograph with Joe Rosenthal's iconic World War II image of U.S. Marines raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima.
The similarities are easy to recognize.
Both photographs feature Americans raising the nation's flag after moments of extraordinary sacrifice.
Both became defining images of their generations.
Both symbolize courage, perseverance, and national unity.
Despite these visual similarities, the two moments represent very different chapters in American history.
The Iwo Jima photograph captured military victory during wartime.
The Ground Zero image, by contrast, reflects resilience in the face of terrorism and honors the bravery of first responders who risked—and in many cases gave—their lives while protecting others.
Rather than celebrating victory over an enemy, the Ground Zero photograph reminds us that hope can emerge even in moments of profound loss.
The Lasting Cultural Legacy of the Photograph
Few photographs have had as much cultural impact in the 21st century.
Over the past twenty-five years, Raising the Flag at Ground Zero has appeared in:
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History textbooks
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Museums and memorial exhibitions
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Documentary films
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Television specials
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Newspapers and magazines around the world
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Educational programs about September 11
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Patriot Day remembrance ceremonies
The image has also inspired artists, sculptors, and veterans' organizations to create memorials honoring the courage displayed by firefighters, police officers, emergency medical personnel, and volunteers during the attacks.
One of the most well-known tributes is To Lift a Nation, a bronze memorial inspired directly by Franklin's photograph. Dedicated in 2007, the monument recognizes the heroism of first responders and the enduring strength of the American people.
Today, the photograph remains one of the most enduring visual symbols of national resilience—continuing to inspire acts of remembrance, gratitude, and service every September 11.
A Symbol That Continues to Inspire Americans
Every year, Americans display the Stars and Stripes outside homes, schools, businesses, and public buildings to honor those who lost their lives on September 11.
Many families also choose memorial-themed flags as a way to remember the victims, recognize first responders, and express gratitude for the courage shown during the rescue and recovery efforts.
If you're looking for meaningful ways to commemorate Patriot Day, our collection of 9/11 Memorial Flags features designs that honor the victims, firefighters, police officers, military personnel, and everyday heroes whose bravery continues to inspire the nation.
You may also find our guides on American Flag Etiquette and when to fly the American flag at half-staff helpful for observing September 11 with respect and dignity.
Why the Ground Zero Photo Still Matters 25 Years Later (2026)
Twenty-five years have passed since the September 11 attacks, yet the image of firefighters raising the American flag at Ground Zero remains as powerful today as it was in 2001.
For many Americans, the photograph is more than a historical record—it is a symbol of how a nation responds when faced with unimaginable tragedy.
As we approach the 25th anniversary of 9/11 in 2026, this image continues to serve as a reminder of courage, sacrifice, and unity at a moment when the United States was tested in ways few could have imagined.
What makes the photograph especially meaningful is not just what it shows, but what it represents:
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Ordinary people becoming heroes
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Chaos turning into collective action
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Devastation giving rise to resilience
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A divided moment becoming a shared national memory
Today, many younger Americans know 9/11 only through education, documentaries, or memorial sites. For them, the Ground Zero flag raising becomes a visual bridge—connecting history with emotion in a way words alone cannot.
The 25th Anniversary of 9/11 in 2026
The year 2026 marks a significant milestone: 25 years since the September 11 attacks.
Across the United States, communities, schools, and institutions are expected to hold remembrance events honoring the victims and the heroes of that day. The 25th anniversary is not only a moment of reflection but also a national reminder of resilience and unity.
Typical commemorations include:
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Reading the names of the victims at memorial sites
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Moments of silence observed at 8:46 AM and 9:03 AM
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Flying the American flag at half-staff
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Educational programs in schools and universities
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Community volunteer initiatives as part of the National Day of Service
One of the most powerful traditions remains the Tribute in Light in New York City, where twin beams of light shine into the night sky, symbolizing the Twin Towers and honoring those who were lost.
In 2026, this tradition is expected to remain one of the most emotionally significant public memorials in the country.
Patriot Day and National September 11 Remembrance
Each year on September 11, the United States observes Patriot Day, a national day of remembrance dedicated to honoring the victims of the attacks.
On this day, Americans across the country display flags, attend memorial ceremonies, and participate in moments of silence to reflect on the impact of that day.
Many households also choose to display memorial-themed American flags as a sign of respect and remembrance.
If you are looking for meaningful ways to observe Patriot Day, you can explore our collection of 9/11 Memorial Flags, designed to honor firefighters, first responders, and the victims of the attacks.
You may also find helpful guidance in our article on American Flag Etiquette, which explains when and how to properly display the flag, especially during national days of mourning such as September 11.
Teaching the Next Generation About 9/11
One of the most important aspects of the 25th anniversary is education.
As time passes, fewer people have direct memories of the attacks. This makes historical preservation and storytelling more essential than ever.
The Ground Zero flag photograph plays a critical role in this process.
It helps educators, parents, and historians communicate the emotional reality of 9/11 in a way that textbooks alone cannot achieve.
Museums, documentaries, and school programs continue to use the image to teach lessons about:
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Civic responsibility
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Emergency response and heroism
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The importance of unity during national crises
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The long-term impact of terrorism on society
By preserving these stories, the legacy of September 11 continues to shape how future generations understand resilience and national identity.
How Americans Honor the Victims Today
Even 25 years later, remembrance remains deeply personal for many families.
Across the country, people honor September 11 in different ways:
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Visiting the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City
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Attending local fire department memorial events
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Participating in charity runs and volunteer activities
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Placing flowers, flags, or photos at local memorials
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Observing moments of silence at home or work
These acts of remembrance ensure that the victims are never forgotten and that the bravery of first responders continues to be recognized.
In many communities, firefighter tribute flags and “Never Forget” memorial flags are displayed year-round as permanent symbols of gratitude.
The Enduring Message of the Ground Zero Flag
The photograph of firefighters raising the flag at Ground Zero continues to resonate because its message is timeless.
It does not belong only to 2001.
It belongs to every generation that seeks meaning in moments of crisis.
It reminds us that even in the aftermath of destruction, people come together to rebuild, support one another, and move forward.
That message is especially powerful in 2026, as the nation reflects on 25 years of change since September 11.
The world has evolved, cities have rebuilt, and new generations have grown up—but the values captured in that photograph remain unchanged.
Courage. Sacrifice. Unity. Hope.
A Legacy That Will Never Fade
As the United States approaches the 25th anniversary of September 11 in 2026, the legacy of the Ground Zero flag raising remains as important as ever.
It is not just a photograph from history.
It is a message to the future.
A reminder that even in moments of profound loss, humanity can still find strength, compassion, and unity.
And that is why, 25 years later, we still remember.
We still honor.
And we will never forget.
FAQ: Raising the Flag at Ground Zero (2026 Edition)
Why is the “Raising the Flag at Ground Zero” photo so famous?
The photograph is famous because it captures a powerful moment of resilience shortly after the September 11 attacks. It shows firefighters raising the American flag above the ruins of the World Trade Center, symbolizing hope, courage, and unity during one of the darkest moments in U.S. history.
Why is 2026 important for 9/11 remembrance?
The year 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, a major milestone in U.S. history. It is expected to include nationwide commemorations, educational programs, memorial ceremonies, and volunteer initiatives honoring victims and first responders.
How do Americans observe Patriot Day?
On Patriot Day (September 11), Americans typically:
- Observe moments of silence
- Fly the U.S. flag at half-staff
- Attend memorial services
- Participate in community service activities
- Honor victims and first responders
Twenty-five years later, the image of firefighters raising the American flag at Ground Zero continues to stand as one of the most powerful symbols of courage and unity in American history.
As we honor the 25th anniversary of September 11 in 2026, we remember not only what was lost—but also the strength that emerged in response.
If you are looking for meaningful ways to honor this historic moment, explore Flagwix’s collection of:
Each design is created to help you remember, reflect, and honor those who gave everything on September 11, 2001.
