John Filo, a journalism student at Kent State University, never imagined he would capture a photograph that would resonate through generations. On May 4, 1970, Filo was present at an anti-Vietnam War demonstration on campus when tragedy struck. National Guard troops opened fire on unarmed students, killing four and wounding nine.
Amidst the chaos and confusion, Filo instinctively raised his camera and began documenting the scene. He captured a photograph of a young woman, Mary Ann Vecchio, kneeling over the body of Jeffrey Miller, one of the students killed. The image, filled with raw emotion and grief, quickly became a symbol of the anti-war movement and the Kent State shootings.
The photograph earned Filo a Pulitzer Prize, but he says the award is secondary to the importance of the story it tells. He hopes the image continues to serve as a reminder of the cost of war and the importance of peaceful protest. Filo recently reflected on the events of that day and the significance of his photograph, emphasizing the need to learn from the past and strive for a more peaceful future.
John Filo Reflects on His Pulitzer Prize-Winning Kent State Photo
In 1970, Kent State student John Filo captured a powerful image during an anti-Vietnam War protest that would later earn him a Pulitzer Prize. Filo, then a journalism major, documented the tragic events of May 4th on the Ohio campus. He recently spoke about the story behind the iconic photograph and its lasting impact. The photo remains a stark reminder of a pivotal moment in American history.
Source: Read the original article at CBS