Rediscovering the Souls Behind the Peace Symbol of Vietnam War

The Winchester Star highlighted Carmen Rio’s search for Dave Jurkovich, a soldier who created a peace symbol during the Vietnam War. The story led to the discovery of David Terry, the photographer of the iconic image, who finally received recognition for his work. Both men shared their experiences related to the photo, which has become a significant symbol of the war.

On February 7, The Winchester Star reported on Carmen Rio’s search for Dave Jurkovich, a former combat engineer from the Vietnam War who carved a massive peace symbol into the landscape. This act, performed under Rio’s command, was intended to serve as a symbol during the conflict. The story quickly gained attention and led Rio to disclose Jurkovich’s identity, revealing how he maintained anonymity to avoid military scrutiny.

After the article’s publication, Rio learned that Jurkovich had passed away in 1999, likely due to health issues related to Agent Orange exposure. A follow-up article about Jurkovich appeared shortly after, seemingly concluding the narrative surrounding the peace symbol. However, on February 9, an unexpected twist occurred when David Terry, the photographer of the iconic peace symbol photo, discovered he was mentioned in the article.

Terry had taken the famous photograph in 1971 and sold it to the Associated Press for just $15. Despite its widespread circulation, including features in Life magazine and the Smithsonian’s collection, Terry had received little recognition due to lack of a proper credit. After efforts by The Winchester Star to locate him, Terry’s name was finally credited, prompting him to share the story behind the photograph.

In a video chat with Rio, Terry shared his experiences as a freelance photographer, recalling how he captured the peace symbol photo. He highlighted the swift nature of taking the shot while flying in a helicopter, mentioning that no other photographs of the peace symbol were ever taken afterward. The photo’s unique nature contributed to its fame, despite the low fee he received for it.

Rio and Terry discussed their wartime experiences, including Rio’s role as a combat engineer and Terry’s profound encounters during the Vietnam War. Despite the difficulties they faced, both expressed the importance of the peace symbol as an enduring representation of the conflict. The photo symbolizes more than just an artistic moment; it captures a pivotal sentiment during a tumultuous era in history.

After leaving Vietnam, Terry continued his career in journalism, covering events in Thailand and other international assignments. Now retired, he reflects on how the peace symbol image remains a significant part of his legacy, emphasizing its relevance to the public’s understanding of the Vietnam War and its protests. He is dedicated to ensuring that the experiences of those who fought and opposed the war are not forgotten or overlooked.

The recent revelations surrounding the peace symbol created during the Vietnam War shine light on the identities and stories behind iconic images. Carmen Rio publicly acknowledged Dave Jurkovich’s role in significant historical acts, only to learn of his passing years earlier. David Terry, once an overlooked photographer, finally received recognition for his image of the peace symbol, underlining the importance of credit in journalistic integrity. Their stories collectively serve as a reminder of the profound effects of the Vietnam War and the peace movements that arose during that time.

Original Source: www.winchesterstar.com