It is one of the most recognizable photographs from World War II, five Marines and one sailor raising the American flag on Iwo Jima.
“This is the most iconic image ever, in my view, so I wanted to paint it,” said renowned artist Robert Wyland, known to millions of art enthusiasts across the world as simply Wyland.
On Oct. 30, Wyland’s powerful 4-by-8 foot acrylic rendition of “Raising the Flag” on Iwo Jima was unveiled at Key Largo’s VFW Post 10211. The post is home to the Armory, a military-themed speakeasy.
“Wyland’s connection to the military runs deep; his father served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean war,” said the Armory manager Jose Rodriguez. “This art will forever stand as a symbol of gratitude and pride, a reminder that what unites us is stronger than what divides us.”
Before the unveiling, guests were handed flutes of champagne, adorned with military dog tags. Cheers erupted as the black cloth draped over the artwork was removed to reveal the vibrant painting, complete with eye-catching fluorescent colors. Those present raised their glasses to toast the artist and his work. Chants of “Oorah!” – a well-known Marine Corps battle cry – could be heard in the background.
“There’s a feeling in it,” said Wyland. “Great art has a feeling. This one’s pretty great. Not just because I painted it, but the whole idea of it.”
After the unveiling, Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward presented Wyland with a coin commemorating the 250th birthday of the Marine Corps, which takes place on Monday, Nov. 10. Ward, a former Marine and commander of VFW Post 10211, commended the artwork, describing it as “a great rendering.”
“I’m glad you guys like it,” Wyland said. “I had so much fun doing it.”
Wyland is best known and celebrated for his colorful aquatic-themed artwork, including famous murals like the “Whaling Wall” at the Key West Historic Seaport depicting sea creatures. Recently, Wyland restored an iconic mural in Marathon, adding a mother and baby manatee to the scenery of the mural, first painted in 1991.
But military-themed art is new to Wyland.
“It means everything to me. I’m just so proud I could add a little bit to this space. Our military are the reason artists like me get to do what we do,” said Wyland.
“It’s priceless too. I don’t even know the value of it,” he said.
“You wouldn’t look at this and think it was a Wyland; I’m very pro military,” said Wyland, whose father was in the Navy and was shot during the Korean War.
“He used to say, ‘Touch here, Wyland, you can feel the metal in my chest,’” he said.
Wyland and the Armory’s owner, Janessa Silvestri, have discussed collaborating on a piece for a few years. To see it come to life just ahead of Veterans Day and the Marine Corps’ milestone anniversary is especially rewarding.
“It’s so special that he did this for us,” said Silvestri. “We’re going to be doing a big bash here for the 250th Marine Corps birthday.”
Mark Birk is the quartermaster for VFW Post 10211. He spent 30 years in the Marine Corps and retired out of the Pentagon.
“It’s amazing,” he said. “It couldn’t be more perfect or more fitting for 250 years of the Marine Corps. All my friends are going to be jealous now.”
Wyland donated the piece to the VFW Post 10211, home of the Armory, and went on to make another generous offer.
“I’m going to give them all the rights to do whatever they want to do,” said Wyland. “If they want to publish it and sell prints of it and 100 percent of the proceeds can benefit our military,” he added.
Wyland has been painting since he was 4 years old. Now 69, he has no plans to slow down.
To see Wyland’s Raising the Flag, head over to the Armory Speakeasy located at 102255 Overseas Highway.
“This is the original,” said Wyland. “And if you want to see it, you have to come to Key Largo, baby.”
The Marine celebration takes place on Monday, Nov. 10 from 4 p.m. to close at the Armory Speakeasy.
Half of the proceeds of every cocktail sold will be donated back in honor of the Marines. There will be a cake-cutting ceremony commemorating the milestone birthday, along with live toasts and a patriotic atmosphere. The celebration is open to all: veterans, active duty and civilians alike.
