Final answer:
The iconic photo of the U.S. flag-raising on Iwo Jima significantly aided the glorification of the U.S. military, yet it was the second of such events. In the Soviet Union, Stalin was heroized in propaganda, emphasizing his dual role as a paternal figure and victorious leader, particularly in the aftermath of the Great Patriotic War.
Step-by-step explanation:
The heroic image immortalized in photography did indeed contribute greatly to the glorification of the U.S. military's prestige. This portrayal is highlighted by the iconic photograph of U.S. Marines raising the American flag atop Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima, on February 23, 1945, a moment captured by Joe Rosenthal. It symbolizes the victory in World War II for the American public. However, it is lesser-known that this was the second hoisting of the flag on the mountain, performed after a politician desired the original flag due to its historical importance.
In the Soviet Union, similar acts of glorification were evident in the use of imagery and iconography through posters. Figures such as Stalin were depicted in various heroic and paternal roles. For example, the 1945 poster 'Our banner is the banner of victory!' by Koretskii, highlights the unity and triumph of the Soviet people with the soldier donning victor's laurels. Stalin's portrayal in posters like Golovanov's 1949 work emphasizes him as a serene father figure and warrior, aligning with the Warrior archetype, on the occasion of his 70th birthday. Battle banners held significance as symbols of victory and defeat; the capturing or losing of one's banner during the war was a deed of major consequence, which can be seen in Stalin's depiction amidst defeated German banners. Stalin's representation as a patriotic hero was cemented further in posters, mirroring his role in the Soviet national anthem.