Tributes from the Tour: Ira Hayes

Born on the Gila River Reservation in Sacaton, AZ, Ira Hayes was immortalized by the photo of he and other marines raising the flag on Mount Suribachi after American troops took the island of Iwo Jima. Immediately, Hayes was hailed a hero and brought back to America as part of an campaign to sell the WWII effort to the public. This never sat well with him as he often said the real heroes were his friends who perished in battle.


This memorial for Hayes is found on the Gila River Reservation.

Every year thousands make their way to the Ira Hayes memorial to pay tribute to Hayes and other war veterans. The percentage of American Indians who have fought in modern American wars is higher than any other ethnic group.