Sal Veder, Pulitzer-Winning Photographer of Iconic 'Burst of Joy', Dies at 99
Sal Veder, the celebrated photographer known for the iconic image "Burst of Joy," passed away at the age of 99. He captured this poignant moment on March 17, 1973, at Travis Air Force Base, showcasing Colonel Robert L. Stirm reuniting with his family, including his daughter Lorrie, who was 15 at the time. Veder, who joined the Associated Press in 1961, developed the photo in a makeshift darkroom located in a women’s bathroom. His work earned him the Pulitzer Prize for feature photography in 1974. Veder retired from the AP in 1993.
Key facts
- Sal Veder died at age 99.
- He captured 'Burst of Joy' on March 17, 1973, at Travis Air Force Base.
- The photo shows Colonel Robert L. Stirm reuniting with his family.
- Veder worked for the Associated Press.
- The photo won the Pulitzer Prize for feature photography in 1974.
- Veder used a makeshift darkroom in a women's bathroom to develop the photo.
- Stirm's daughter Lorrie, 15 at the time, is shown running toward him.
- Veder joined AP in 1961 and retired in 1993.
Entities
Artists
- Sal Veder
- Robert L. Stirm
- Lorrie Stirm
Institutions
- Associated Press
- PetaPixel
- Smithsonian magazine
- The Guardian
- Le Monde
Locations
- Travis Air Force Base
- Fairfield
- California
- Sacramento
- San Francisco
- El Dorado County
- Vietnam
- North Vietnam
- United States