Penn State Altoona will hold a premiere showing of "Our Flag Still Waves" at 8 p.m. March 24 in 150 Hawthorn.
The documentary chronicles the life of Sgt. Michael Strank, who grew up just outside of Johnstown in Franklin Borough, and who led a group of soldiers in raising the American flag atop Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima in 1945. This moment was captured by the famous Joe Rosenthal photograph now immortalized in the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial. The film takes a look at Strank's upbringing in Pennsylvania, his time serving in the Civilian Conservation Corps and his exploits as a Marine. It includes interviews with family members, fellow veterans and historians. The documentary is narrated by former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge and features Penn State Altoona history instructor Jared Frederick.
Following the documentary, film director Dale Wicks of Wix Pix Productions and Frederick will hold a question-and-answer session with the audience. This event is free and open to the public.