Friday's Labor Folklore
The photograph that changed the life of Ira Hayes forever
was taken on Feb. 23, 1945 by Joe Rosenthal.
Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, National World War II Museum.

The
Story
of
Ira Hayes
(1923-1955)
  • As told by Dr. Herman Viola, Smithsonian Curator.
Click here.
(2.4 min.)
  • As sung by Johnny Cash, The Ballad of Ira Hayes.
Click here.
(4.1 min.)

Ira Hamilton Hayes (1923-1955) grew up in the Gila River Indian Community in south central Arizona. He enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in Phoenix in 1942.

During World War 2 he was one of six marines who became famous for having raised the U.S. flag on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima.

After the war Ira became afflicted by alcholism. On November 10, 1954, he attended the dedication of the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, which was modeled after the Iwo Jima photograph.

After a night of heavy drinking on January 23-24, 1955, Ira Hayes died of exposure to cold and alcohol poisoning. He was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on February 2, 1955.

The life of Ira Hayes - and his tragic death - have been commemorated in art, song and film. Click the two links above to learn more about him and to honor his memory during Native American Heritage Month.

(With thanks to Wikipedia)
Arizona Indian Communities
Where Ira Hayes was born.

The Pima Indians are known as the "River People." Today they live primarily on three reservations in Arizona -- Gila River, Salt River and Ak-Chin.
The Ballad of Ira Hayes was written in 1963 by folk singer Peter La Farge. Johnny Cash recorded it in 1964, reaching number three on the Billboard Singles Chart. The Ballad of Ira Hayes has also been recorded by Pete Seeger, Patrick Sky, Townes Van Zandt, Bob Dylan and others.

I first heard the ballad in 1965 while in high school. I bought a copy of Patrick Sky's debut album and have carried the song in my heart all these years. For his soulful, folk song version click here.
Our stories * Our songs * Our heritage