Reunion of Vietnam Veterans and Photographer of Iconic Peace Symbol

Carmen Rio sought to identify Dave Jurkovich, a soldier who carved a peace symbol in Vietnam. The story drew attention to David Terry, the freelance photographer who captured the image. After years of being uncredited, Terry was finally acknowledged, leading to an emotional reunion with Rio. The peace symbol became an enduring reminder of protest against the war.

On February 7, The Winchester Star reported on Carmen Rio’s quest to find a combat engineer from the Vietnam War who carved a giant peace symbol into the terrain. This occurred during a time of intense military conflict, and Rio sought to uncover the identity of the soldier, ultimately revealing Dave Jurkovich, who had been under his command. This revelation followed Jurkovich’s death in 1999, which Rio discovered after sharing the story publicly in hopes of reconnecting with the veteran.

A remarkable turn occurred on February 9, when David Terry, the photographer responsible for capturing the iconic peace symbol image, learned of the article while in transit. Originally credited only by the Associated Press without recognition of his authorship, Terry’s 1971 photograph achieved significant notoriety, appearing in various publications and even in the Smithsonian Institution’s collection. As further details emerged about the photograph, the Associated Press managed to trace Terry’s name, acknowledging his contribution after many years.

Subsequently, a video call connected Rio with Terry, marking the first time they had met, which was a cherished moment for both men. During their dialogue, Rio sought Terry’s autograph on a vintage Life magazine featuring the peace symbol photo. Terry recounted that, at the time of the photo’s release, he had been betting on a quick sale due to expectations of others capturing similar images, yet none did.

Rio and Terry shared war stories and reminisced about the events surrounding the peace symbol photo, emphasizing the unexpected humor behind its inception. Moreover, Terry expressed his astonishment at the photograph’s enduring legacy, reflecting on how a light-hearted act became a poignant symbol of protest against the Vietnam War.

After departing Vietnam in 1972, Terry continued his career in journalism and photography, gaining experiences in different countries, including Thailand, covering significant events such as diplomatic activities and conflicts in Southeast Asia. Today, as a retired photojournalist, he values the impact of his work during the war and finds solace in returning to Vietnam for reunions with fellow journalists, affirming that while the landscape has transformed, memories of conflict remain alive through visual history.

The article details the heartwarming journey of reconnecting past war veterans, emphasizing Carmen Rio’s efforts to acknowledge Dave Jurkovich and the photograph of the peace symbol taken by David Terry. It highlights the significance of this image in representing a pivotal moment during the Vietnam War and the story of recognition long overdue for Terry. Their reunion underscores the lasting legacy of the war’s memories, encapsulated in one photograph.

Original Source: www.winchesterstar.com