Veterans Day Brings Tragic Loss as Iconic 'Burst of Joy' Photo Captures Farewell to Fallen Hero at 92.
In a poignant twist of fate, Veterans Day marked the passing of Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Robert Stirm, the subject of the world-renowned "Burst of Joy" photo taken in 1973. The 92-year-old war veteran and prisoner of war succumbed to natural causes on the morning of November 11th, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire Americans to this day.
The photograph, which captured Stirm's daughter Lorrie Kitching embracing him upon his return to Travis Air Force Base in Northern California after being held captive for five years in Vietnam, remains one of the most iconic images from the conflict. The heartwarming moment has been etched in the collective consciousness of the nation, symbolizing the end of a long and arduous ordeal.
Kitching, then just 15 years old, was forever changed by her father's experience. She cherished the letters Stirm wrote to her during his imprisonment, which included words of pride and affection for his teenage daughter. Her own teenage girl at the time, Lorrie Kitching, has since shared that she saved the letters as a keepsake.
Tragically, Stirm's prison campmate was none other than John McCain, the late senator who lost his life in combat just a day before his fellow prisoner's return to freedom. The 'Burst of Joy' photograph, captured by Associated Press photographer Slava Veder, earned the 1974 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography.
As the nation mourns the loss of this remarkable individual, the 'Burst of Joy' photo continues to stand as a testament to the enduring power of love and resilience. Stirm's legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served in the armed forces, and his family's story will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.
In a poignant twist of fate, Veterans Day marked the passing of Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Robert Stirm, the subject of the world-renowned "Burst of Joy" photo taken in 1973. The 92-year-old war veteran and prisoner of war succumbed to natural causes on the morning of November 11th, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire Americans to this day.
The photograph, which captured Stirm's daughter Lorrie Kitching embracing him upon his return to Travis Air Force Base in Northern California after being held captive for five years in Vietnam, remains one of the most iconic images from the conflict. The heartwarming moment has been etched in the collective consciousness of the nation, symbolizing the end of a long and arduous ordeal.
Kitching, then just 15 years old, was forever changed by her father's experience. She cherished the letters Stirm wrote to her during his imprisonment, which included words of pride and affection for his teenage daughter. Her own teenage girl at the time, Lorrie Kitching, has since shared that she saved the letters as a keepsake.
Tragically, Stirm's prison campmate was none other than John McCain, the late senator who lost his life in combat just a day before his fellow prisoner's return to freedom. The 'Burst of Joy' photograph, captured by Associated Press photographer Slava Veder, earned the 1974 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography.
As the nation mourns the loss of this remarkable individual, the 'Burst of Joy' photo continues to stand as a testament to the enduring power of love and resilience. Stirm's legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served in the armed forces, and his family's story will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.
... 92 years old is still amazing! I can only imagine how hard it must've been for him & his family, especially Lorrie Kitching, who was just 15 when her dad came back. I love the story behind the "Burst of Joy" photo - it's like a piece of history right in front of us 
... It's so beautiful that she saved those letters from her dad! 
His legacy will definitely live on through his family & all the Americans who've been inspired by his story. RIP Lt Col Stirm 
i mean, i'm happy it's bringing attention to Stirm's story and all, but can we get some sources on how old was the girl in the photo when it was taken? 
. It's crazy that he was held captive for 5 years in Vietnam and still managed to write those beautiful letters to his daughter 
. It just goes to show that even in the darkest moments, there's always room for humanity and kindness 
.
just saw that iconic 'Burst of Joy' photo again & it still gives me chills... 92 yrs old is crazy old 
... can't believe a life full of love & loss ended on this Veterans Day 
... Stirm's story is so beautifully tied to McCain's, what an incredible bond they shared in the midst of war 
... Stirm may be gone but his legacy & that photo will live on, inspiring Americans 2 come together & celebrate the heroism of those who served 
but at the same time i'm just blown away by the story of robert stirm and his daughter lorrie kitching she's literally 15 when her dad comes home from vietnam and he writes these heartfelt letters to her it's like a beautiful reminder that even in the darkest times there is always love and hope 
the 'burst of joy' photo is still getting all this attention 52 years later... doesn't it feel like we're stuck in some kind of nostalgia loop? 
and what's with all these reunions & letters being shared? it's nice but isn't there anyone else worth remembering besides the guys who are gonna get all the praise for their sacrifices? 
. And the fact that John McCain was his prison campmate? That's wild 
. I wonder what Lorrie Kitching thinks about her dad being in that situation with someone who'd later become president