How can something so recognizable for 70 years, be completely wrong?

I may have mentioned this before, but this photo taken by the late Joe Rosenthal was the pivotal moment in my life. When I saw this photo as a young boy, I knew right then and there, I was going to be one of them. A United States Marine. And the man second from the right, Navy Corpsman John Bradley is the most prominent figure in this photo.

For 70 years, the world thought it was 5 Marines and one Navy Corpsman who raised the flag on top of Mt Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima. A book was written on this photo "Flags Of our Fathers" written by John Bradley's son James Bradley. Clint Eastwood did a movie about this book using the same title. FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS. I'm sure you are all aware of the book and the movie. Well, John Bradley did not raise the flag on Iwo. PFC Harold Schultz of Detroit, was the Marine that everyone thought was Navy Corpsman Bradley.
This sent shock waves throughout the world, especially all the living Marines.
I would be one of them.

On February 23rd, 2010 my Marine buddy George Masten and I stood in front of that famous flag that is now in the Marine Corps museum in Quantico. We both stood there on the exact day of the Flag raising. 65 years to the day.



To be fair to Bradley, he did raise the first flag. But he did not help raise the 2nd flag. What is most upsetting is, the three surviving men who raised that flag, were pulled out of combat, to travel around the country raising war bonds to help us win the war. So here's PFC Schultz still fighting on the island where he was seriously wounded and finally sent home. This while Bradley is out being a media hero. Schultz had said all along, that he was one of the Marines who helped raise the colors. But no one would believe him. Until now.

Semper Fi Private First Class Harold Schultz. Semper Fi.



And speaking of Marines. These four Marines served with a very good friend of mine Jake Petronzio a Korean War and Vietnam war veteran. Jake passed away on June 15th and these brave Marines came in from all over the country to pay their respects to Jake.



Jake Petronzio (above) was one of the toughest Marines to ever walk the earth.
His Marine buddies were pallbearers at his funeral. This incredible bond that these men had would only be broken when one of them passes away.



We should all be so humbled to have that kind of love and dedication.
Rest in Peace Jake and Semper Fi.



Later in the week I attended another memorial for a local surfer. Scotty Bedell passed away earlier in the year after a long battle with cancer. Can I just say this, when are they going to find a cure for ALL cancers. We have all lost loved ones to this insidious disease.

Scotty was a surfer. And all surfers deserve a paddle. This was put together by Mike "Zappy" Paugh and his sister Teresa. Once again, the surfers all gathered on the beach. They said a few words, and then they paddled out and shared all kinds of stories about Scotty. They tossed their flowers into the center ring and then they spread his ashes.



And just like that, Scotty returned to the sea that he loved.

Later that same night, Tony Berardini and I drove into Boston to attend yet another Memorial service, for another surfer. Patrick Murray. The same Patrick Murray of WBCN and WZLX fame. Patrick was one of the most funniest human beings I have ever met. I could write volumes on both Jake and Patrick. But time and space won't permit me. Suffice it to say, Patrick's turnout was huge. So many of his colleagues and friends were there to toast Murray.



The BCN crew was always a fun group of people. And Patrick the Court Jester fit right in. There will never be another Patrick Murray. They broke the mold once he showed up.



We all signed a skateboard. Or rather tried, there were so many signatures
and comments it was hard to find the space. People loved this man. His wife Jeannie said there was going to be a paddle for him.



More than likely it will be in Rhode Island, once the date is secured and location, I will spread the news. Until then, Rest Easy my friend, and glow with the knowledge of how many of us truly loved you. Aloha.

This column is looking more like the Obit section in the newspapers. So sticking with that theme. By now you have all heard about "SNOW PLOW"
the Humpback whale that washed up on the beach in Rye. Not since the Snowy Owl craze has there been such a frenzy around these parts. It was crazy. I mean loopy frenzy kind of stuff.

Well, it didn't take me long to come up with a photoshop of this latest phenomenon. Check it out.



"Surfing With Snowy & Snow Plow Heals All Wounds"

This was a session that just Pev and I shared at the Rocks one morning in May of 2013. I wonder what Ed would think of Pev's surfing today. Actually, I know exactly what he would be thinking. He'd love it. Ed loved longboarding, especially traditional style. You know, walking the nose and back.
Oh Ed would be so happy to see all the longboarders we have now. Mikey M, Mikey E, Kyle, Kody, Kai, Pev, McKinley, Julie, and the rest. I bet he's smiling from ear to ear right now.

To see more of Ed's pics just scroll through the archives. He has shot so many pics for the blog. Be sure and pick up a copy of the COLD COAST and check out Ed's own gallery.
Each week I will feature one of Ed's great pics from this blog. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.



ATTENTION ALL SURF ARTISTS. See above.



The Dan Healy Foundation is something worth learning about.



The 9th annual HIT THE BEACH has a firm date. August 28th, 2016 at 18th Street in Hampton. As of today, we do NOT need any more volunteers. We have a big roster of volunteers from the last 9 years. If we need more, I will let you know. Thanks.

Now for Some More Of My Weekly Global Observances
I'm thinking that I just leave this image up until November. It really says it all. This is your choice people. Cast your vote.



Click on this graphic below to see a larger version.



It's funny, but true. Let me know if you want one of these.
I'd be happy to show you what I can do. It's not just airs, it's everything. Nose rides, barrels, big waves...you name it, I can do it. Here's another sample of what I'm talking about.

KSM Photoshop of the Week
I didn't realize the scope of KSM's love for Humpbacks.
I know now. And really, I'm not surprised at this week's KSM photoshop. This stuff seems to fall into my lap.



How bad do you think this smells? Those folks are brave.

As always... take advantage of this weekly photo shop of the mastermind who planned 9-11 and resulted in the deaths of 3,000 innocent civilians by KSM (Khalid Sheik Mohammed).

*Note to self -must pick up a case of canned blubber at Home Depot this week.


Happy Birthday Rick Evans July 2nd, 2016!
Happy Birthday America July 4th, 2016

Please Pray for local Hampton surfer Terry Morrison and his family. Also please pray for Marine SSGT George Masten.
A combat Marine who served in Korea and Vietnam. He was awarded the purple heart for wounds received in Vietnam in 1967. George is battling cancer.
PLEASE say a prayer for him.

Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 11 years.
** BUY a HIGH RES Photo from any of the weeks on RPOTW.

Remember my friends... Surfing Heals All Wounds.
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surf For Fun.

Ralph






CLICK ON THE GRAPHIC ABOVE TO SEE EVERY
SINGLE WEEK FROM THE LAST 11 YEARS!


OK check this out. Seacoastonline did a story on me and the blog. Just click on the pic below and look it over. It's pretty short, so most of you can handle it. Besides, it's just a different perspective of someone you already know. Me.


Click me. click me. click me.

*Click on the photo above to see a larger version

Today- The AFTERNOON of July 2nd, 2016. Photos by RALPH



(Above) Now this looks like summer to me. Holding court at 10th Street.
Saturday July 2nd, 2016 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) The swell was dying with the stiff offshores. Julie managed to snag a few leftovers before it went flat. Saturday July 2nd, 2016 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) I looked up and saw these clouds and just had to shoot it.
Saturday July 2nd, 2016 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- The Day Before. July 1st, 2016. Photos by RALPH



(Above) Nicole was hooting Clara on as she went whipping by everyone.
Friday, July 1st, 2016 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is what I'm shooting when you see me pointing my camera down.
Friday, July 1st, 2016 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Mercer playing in the troppo looking waves.
Friday, July 1st, 2016 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



Today- Thursday 6/30/16 The Last Day Of June.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) Carter Walsh burning rubber at the Wall. Thursday, June 30th, 2016
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- The Beaching of "Snow Plow" the Humpback Whale.
June 27th, 2016. Photos by RALPH



(Above) I understand the attraction. But some do not. Snow Plow dead in the water. Thursday, June 30th, 2016 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Looking back at the beach. Snow Plow was an 18yr old female who measured around 45' long. Thursday, June 30th, 2016 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) We took advantage of the fact that we were all dressed up to finally get a decent family photo. Sunday, June 26th, 2016
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The view from the Sea Glass restaurant. Thursday, June 30th, 2016
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- Water Shots from Scotty Bedell's Paddle
June 25th, 2016. Photos by Stan Bocko



(Above) The paddle for Scotty as seen from the water.
Saturday June 25th, 2016. Photo by Stan Bocko.
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Stein holding the ashes of Scotty as the hooting and splashing
goes on. Saturday June 25th, 2016. Photo by Stan Bocko.
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Back with his beloved MaryLou. Monday, June 20th, 2016
Photo by RALPH*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery