Photographer Reclaims Legacy of Iconic Peace Symbol from Vietnam War
A recent article in The Winchester Star sheds light on Carmen Rio’s quest to identify a Vietnam veteran, Dave Jurkovich, who created a massive peace symbol during the war. Following the publication, David Terry, the photographer of the iconic peace symbol image, was recognized after years of anonymity. Their stories intertwine, demonstrating the enduring impact of this symbol amid the Vietnam conflict and the importance of acknowledgment in historical narratives.
On February 7, The Winchester Star featured Carmen Rio, a Winchester resident, who sought to identify the combat engineer under his command during the Vietnam War. This soldier was responsible for creating a large peace symbol using heavy equipment in the Vietnamese landscape amidst the ongoing conflict. Shortly after the article’s online publication, the identity of Dave Jurkovich, the engineer in question, and details about his life post-war emerged, when Rio resolved to honor him publicly after years of anonymity due to military protocol.
Upon discovering that Jurkovich had passed away on July 25, 1999, likely due to complications from Agent Orange exposure, a follow-up article about his story was published on February 10 in The Winchester Star. However, the narrative took another turn when David Terry, the photographer who captured the iconic peace symbol photograph on May 8, 1971, was alerted to the article while awaiting a flight. Terry, who sold the photograph to the Associated Press for a modest fee, narrates how the picture became a well-recognized image associated with the Vietnam War, capturing a moment that resonated far beyond its origins.
Despite the fame of the photo, Terry was often overlooked as the photographer because his credit was absent from many publications, including a 2014 donation of the image to the Smithsonian. The Star’s editors took initiative to trace his name through the Associated Press, eventually uncovering the acknowledgment that Terry deserved. Compelled by the recognition, he reached out to The Star, providing compelling proof of his identity and sharing his experience of capturing the peace symbol amidst the chaotic backdrop of the war.
The men’s first interaction came together through a video chat facilitated by Rio and Scott Straub, a Winchester resident assisting in the search for Jurkovich. The session included an exchange of war stories and culminated in Terry signing a copy of the July 2, 1971, Life magazine featuring his photograph. During the discussion, Rio cleared up misconceptions about the machinery used to create the peace symbol, emphasizing the strength of the MR-5 equipment employed in the process and the overall context of the symbol’s creation during one of the war’s more intense periods.
Both men shared their experiences related to the Vietnam War, with Terry recalling his involvement in the controversial Lam Son 719 military operation. He also recounted the harrowing memory of how he was given access to fly into Laos despite an embargo on media coverage, while tragic losses followed shortly thereafter for other journalists. This bond formed between Rio and Terry brought them together, demonstrating how history intertwined their lives through a singular photograph.
Throughout their conversation, Terry expressed a sense of pride in the peace symbol photograph, acknowledging its legacy as an iconic wartime image, although negotiations with the AP regarding credit had been challenging. He reflected on his career following the Vietnam War, covering various significant events while maintaining a connection with the media community. Now retired, he continues to uphold the memories linked with the Vietnam experience, ensuring they endure through shared stories and images, particularly the impactful peace symbol photograph.
The story of Carmen Rio and the search for Dave Jurkovich highlights the significance of acknowledging individuals involved in historical events. David Terry’s connection to the iconic peace symbol photograph emphasizes the importance of granting recognition to those who contribute to documenting history. As these narratives are shared, they ensure that the legacy and lessons of the Vietnam War continue to be remembered and discussed within the context of peace and reconciliation.
Original Source: www.winchesterstar.com
