This Happened — May 2: The Soviet Flag Is Raised Above Berlin
The iconic war photograph of the raising of the flag over the Reichstag was taken on this day in 1945.
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Why was the raising of the flag over the Reichstag significant?
The image showing a Soviet soldier raising the Soviet flag on the roof of the Reichstag building in Berlin is significant because it symbolizes the defeat of Nazi Germany and the end of World War II in Europe. It also represents the triumph of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany and the capture of the capital Berlin.
Who took the photograph of the raising of the flag over the Reichstag?
The photograph of the Raising of a Flag over the Reichstag was taken by Yevgeny Khaldei, a Soviet photojournalist, who accompanied the Soviet troops during the capture of Berlin.
What happened to the Soviet flag that was raised over the Reichstag?
The first Soviet flag that was raised over the Reichstag was removed by a Soviet soldier a few hours after it was raised, as it was considered too small for such a symbolic moment. The soldier then went back up to the roof and raised a larger flag, which was captured in the iconic photograph.
