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Pulitzer-winning photographer Sal Veder, who captured iconic Vietnam POW reunion, dies at 99
🇺🇸 United States /Culture & Society

Pulitzer-winning photographer Sal Veder, who captured iconic Vietnam POW reunion, dies at 99

From PBS NewsHour · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News From a news agency Outcome reported
  • Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Slava 'Sal' Veder, known for his iconic "Burst of Joy" photo, died at age 99.
  • The photo captured the emotional reunion of Lt. Col. Robert L. Stirm with his children upon his return from Vietnam in 1973.
  • Veder, a retired Associated Press photojournalist, was celebrated for his warm personality and mentorship.

Slava 'Sal' Veder, the celebrated photographer behind the iconic "Burst of Joy" image, has died at the age of 99. Veder, a Pulitzer Prize winner, was best known for capturing the deeply emotional moment of U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Robert L. Stirm reuniting with his four children after five years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam.

The photograph, taken in March 1973 at Travis Air Force Base, became a powerful symbol of the end of American involvement in the Vietnam War. Veder, then 46, spotted the children running towards their father amidst a crowd of photographers. He later recalled the overwhelming surge of emotion from both the family and the onlookers.

Using a makeshift darkroom, Veder developed six images, with "Burst of Joy" earning him the 1974 Pulitzer Prize for feature photography. He noted that Stirm's back was to the camera in the photo, making him an everyman figure representing all returning soldiers, while the children's faces conveyed undeniable joy.

You could tell, even at a distance, what they were feeling. It was all over them, their faces, the way they all broke into a run. There was a surge of emotion from the crowd, too

— Slava 'Sal' VederVeder described the emotional scene as he witnessed Lt. Col. Stirm's children running towards their father.

While the photo symbolized a joyous homecoming, it also coincided with personal heartbreak for Stirm, who had received a "Dear John" letter from his wife and later divorced. Stirm passed away in 2025. Veder, born in Berkeley, California, to Russian immigrants, had a distinguished career with The Associated Press, working from both Sacramento and San Francisco bureaus.

Friends and former colleagues remember Veder as a kind and humble individual who enjoyed ice skating and sailing. He was also known for mentoring younger photographers and showing genuine interest in those around him. Freelance sports photographer Brad Mangin described Veder as "the sweetest man" and the first Pulitzer winner he ever met.

He was the first Pulitzer Prize winner I ever met, like holy smokes. He was just the sweetest man.

— Brad ManginA freelance sports photographer recalled his impression of Veder.
About this summary

Originally published by PBS NewsHour in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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