AP Photo/USMC
Lance Corporal Joshua Bernard was 21 years old when he was killed while serving in Afghanistan. On Aug. 14, 2009, he was struck by a rocket propelled grenade in a Taliban ambush in Southern Afghanistan. The event was photographed and journaled by Julie Jacobson, an AP photographer. After notification to the family of Bernard's unfortunate death, a series of photos of the event, including Bernard's injuries and his fellow Marine's treatment of him was released. The photo is admittedly graphic in nature, with injuries clearly apparent, though the photo itself is somewhat blurry. Other photos of this event include those used in this article of a memorial service held in honor of Lance Corporal Bernard.
AP Photo Julie Jacobson
Under attack, and protested by many is the photo of the injuries sustained by Bernard, (*AP warns of graphic nature) showing not only injuries but fellow Marine's rushing to his aid. Unfortunately, this Marine died as a result of his injuries, while under surgery.
After Bernard's burial in Maine, an AP reporter approached the family and showed them the pictures of the event, at which time Bernard's father said he was opposed to it's release, a position he stood by during a subsequent phone call conversation to the Associated Press.
"Outrageously irresponsible," is how the American Legion National Commander characterized the Associated Press`s decision to release this photo. He continues with, ""The lack of compassion and common decency shown by the Associated Press in releasing this photograph is stunning. . . Lance Corporal Joshua Bernard is a hero who gave his life for his country. His family is understandably offended. I have asked the American Legion state commander in Maine to reach out to his family. Indeed everybody in The American Legion stands with his family."
Defense Secretary Robert Gates contacted AP President Thomas Curley with this formal letter of protest regarding releasing this particular photo within the story regarding this event.
In a statement to Defense Secretary Robert Gates, AP director of photography Santiago Lyon said, “AP journalists document world events every day,” “Afghanistan is no exception. It is our journalistic duty to show the reality of the war there, however unpleasant and brutal that sometimes is.”
"We understand Mr. Bernard's anguish. We believe this image is part of the history of this war. The story and photos are in themselves a respectful treatment and recognition of sacrifice," said AP senior managing editor John Daniszewski. Jacobson says, ""To ignore a moment like that simply ... would have been wrong. I was recording his impending death, just as I had recorded his life moments before walking the point in the bazaar," she said. "Death is a part of life and most certainly a part of war. Isn't that why we're here? To document for now and for history the events of this war?"
AP Photo Julie Jacobson
The Military Times was involved in a similar incident in 2003 as they recorded and later released a photo of soldiers carrying an injured comrade who later died. Their response at that time,
“We felt that it was, in fact, a very true picture of war, a compassionate image of soldiers caring for a wounded comrade, and that it was a relevant news photo,” Naegele of the Military Times said.
Parents, what do you think? Is this journalistic "sensationalism" or is if fair and accurate reporting? Do we have the right to see exactly what danger our son's and daughter's serving in the military view every day or should this family's wishes have been respected and the photo never released. How would you feel if it was a picture of your child?
Comments
If he was my son, I wouldn't want the world to see his pictures.
I think people need to see that war is not just about shooting guns in the air and looking at radar screens; there is injury and death involved.
Personally, I would like to see a picture of George Bush being convicted of war crimes and until then, each and every shot of his invasion and wars should be seen
Though I think the pictures aer important, I think respect for that young mans family is important too..if they said please don't put these pictures out there, then she should not have done so. But maybe the photographer has no idea what it would feel like to see pictures of your son dying.
The ultimate of selfishness on the reporter and photographer. We all know that war is death. Where is the respect for the americans willing to sacrafice this. I do not believe her 10 minutes of fame is comparable to a families lifetime of pain. Lance Corpral Bernard you are an American Hero. And to his family, I thank you for your sons courage and sacrafice. You Jacobson are a discrace even to the media. I only hope your children ( if you are fortunate to have any) are shown more honor and respect than what you gave to Mr. and Mrs. Bernards son. You were not looking to show the reality of War, you were looking to sign your name to. Wouldnt want to sleep on your pillow at night! That is if you can sleep at night.
Len's grandson is a marine and did his stint in Afghanistan. Thank the Lord, he is back safe with us.
The duty of a journalist is to document, and report. Photo's of Lance Corporal Bernard's last moments of life, and unfortunate death are a grim, but important reminder to all of us to be vigilant in our consideration of the cost we must be willing to pay if we choose war. If we hide the reality of war we give those who would shed our son's and daughter's blood more freedom to pursue their selfish ends. To know war without knowing its pain and blood is to live in the shadows of ignorance and self-deceit.
This photographer and the AP dishonored LCpl Bernard and all he stood for and died for when they published that photo in defiance of his parents' specific request to withold publication!
The photo was published after LCpl Bernard's death purely for the sensationalism and page views it would draw! There is no excuse for that kind of behavior!
They added to the grief of LCpl Bernard's family for no reason other than financial gain to themselves.
The journalist should have dropped her camera and helped the two Marines who were trying to stop the blood flowing from two severed legs. Instead, she stood there and took photos. She is a disgrace.
I do agree with pictures and documentation being used to accurately portray the war, but his family should have been able to make the final decision. It's pretty rude to go against their wishes.
My Son is currently a recruit a MCRD PI. How dare the AP! I feel that they should no longer be allowed to be embeded with the USMC. The total lack of respect for this family and their loss is horrible. This is NOT about bringing the war home this is about selling photos and the almighty $$$ and that is ALL it is about. Maybe the favor should be returned to Ms. Jacobsons parents. GET them OUT of the midst of our troops. I don't want my son to die protecting one of them.
I sympathize with his family, but I believe that when someone is caught up in a historic moment, it becomes public --for better or worse, but mostly better. We've all seen the photos of JFK being shot, or the piles of Holocaust victims. They help us recognize the impact of the atrocity. I believe the journalist did the right thing in the name of documenting history. The parents should be proud of their son, and now we all know what he sacrificed. He's part of our history.
Depends on the use of the photo. If it is used to bolster our nation's resolve to fight and win, then I would want the photo of my dying son published. If, however, that were not the case, I would not wish the photo to be published. Further, I would expect my wishes either way to be respected by the AP. The photo itself, and even the publishing of it isn't offensive; the AP's disregard for the family's wishes is offensive and betrays the true motivation behind publishing it.
I don't think that people know what kind of a mental pictures are left in the minds of our young men and women that are fighting....Things that will stay with them the rest of their lives. Maybe if the rest of the American public knew of some of the mental pictures our Children are forced to look at, that maybe the factual physical pictures would not exist. May God Bless the Parents Show the picture.
History isn't going away. Why do they have to pour salt in the wounds? Even though I never knew this boy, it's heart wrenching to think about. I can hardly imagine what it was like for the parents. Some years down the road, as part of history, it's a whole different story.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!