'Burst of Joy' photographer Sal Veder dies

Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Slava Sal Veder, known for his iconic image of a U.S. Air Force officer reunited with his family after spending years as a prisoner of war, has passed away at the age of 99. Veder, a retired Associated Press photographer, died peacefully in his sleep at his home in El Dorado County, California, just eight days shy of his 100th birthday. His family confirmed the news on Wednesday.

Born in Berkeley, California, on August 30, 1926, Veder was the sole child of Russian immigrants, Ivan and Anka Veder, who later anglicized their names to John and Ann. He embarked on his career as a sports writer and news editor before joining the Associated Press as a staff photographer in 1961. Veder later moved to the AP's San Francisco office, where he was based when he captured the iconic photograph, "Burst of Joy," in 1973.

The photograph, taken at Travis Air Force Base, captured the moment Lieutenant Colonel Robert L. Stirm and his four children stepped off the tarmac to be reunited with their father after years of captivity. Veder, who processed six frames from the scene, selected the one where Stirm's face was turned away from the camera—allowing him to symbolically represent every returning soldier while the children's expressions showcased the true emotion of the moment. The image went on to win the 1974 Pulitzer Prize for feature photography.

For Veder, journalism was not just a profession but a way of life. His daughter, Kathleen Daly, emphasized that the Associated Press provided him a platform where his work was highly valued. His colleagues and friends described him as modest, warm-hearted, and fond of ice skating and sailing. Veder was also known for mentoring younger photographers and keeping a keen eye on those around him.

Throughout his illustrious career, Veder captured moments that defined the times, including former California Governor Ronald Reagan, campus protests against the Vietnam War, the Patty Hearst bank robbery trial, and the assassinations of San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk. He raised five children and retired from the AP in 1993, settling in Camino, a small community in El Dorado County. He leaves behind three children, eight grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.