Visions of the Decade: Todd Heisler’s “Final Salute” (7 Photos)
All photos © Todd Heisler/Rocky Mountain News. All rights reserved.
Todd Heisler’s “Final Salute” was named by PDNOnline readers one of the most influential photo essays of the past ten years in a survey conducted for PDN’s Visions of the Decade issue. While a staff photographer at the Rocky Mountain News, Heisler (now at The New York Times) spent a year documenting the work of Major Steve Beck and the Marine Honor Guard who handle family notifications and the funerals of Marines killed during the Iraq War. At a time when the Pentagon barred photographers from covering the return of military caskets to Dover Air Force Base, Heisler’s “Final Salute” provided a rare and intimate look at the dignity of military funeral rites.
© Todd Heisler/Rocky Mountain News. All rights reserved.
“Final Salute” earned Heisler the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography, and was honored by NPPA’s Best of Photojournalism, Pictures of the Year International, World Press Photo and other prizes.
© Todd Heisler/Rocky Mountain News. All rights reserved.
Captain Chris Sutherland, left, Sergeant Major Jeff Study, Staff Sergeant Clifford Grimes and Gunnery Sergeant Todd Martin prepare to deliver posthumous medals to the families of fallen Marines.
© Todd Heisler/Rocky Mountain News. All rights reserved.
The night before the burial of her husband’s body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time. The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of “Cat,” and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. “I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it,” she said. “I think that’s what he would have wanted.”
© Todd Heisler/Rocky Mountain News. All rights reserved.
The day before the funeral of their friend, 2nd Lt. Jon Mueller, left and 1st Lt. Matthew Baumann practiced for hours folding a flag, making sure there would be no errors the next day. “That will be the last time his flag is folded, ” Said Maj. Steve Beck, as he instructed them. “It has to be perfect.”
© Todd Heisler/Rocky Mountain News. All rights reserved.
Jo Burns clings to Corporal Dustin Barker, 22, during the “Remembering the Brave” ceremony honoring the actions of fallen Marines. Corporal Barker was with Jo Burns’ son, Lance Corporal Kyle Burns, when he was killed in action in Fallujah on November 11, 2004.
© Todd Heisler/Rocky Mountain News. All rights reserved.
Inside the mortuary, Katherine Cathey draped herself over her husband’s casket before putting personal items in it. Flowers from their wedding, a bottle of Jim’s favorite perfume and an ultrasound of their son were some of the things Katherine placed next to 2nd Lt. James Cathey’s remains.
January 21st, 2010 at 1:28 pm EGMT+5
Oh. My. Gosh. This is what photojournalism is all about. I feel these photos in my gut – they make me want to go out and change the world; make it a better place for our kids.
January 21st, 2010 at 6:32 pm EGMT+5
These pictures are wonderful in such are a heartfelt way. Life’s hardship is really unfortunate, and it’s such a shame these that these soldiers and their families had to pay this price. The emotion in every one of these shots is overwhelming. Thank you for sharing.
January 22nd, 2010 at 12:12 am EGMT+5
SALUTE!!!…..
January 22nd, 2010 at 12:19 am EGMT+5
I don’t have words that paint the emotions these pictures do. Captured the essence of true journalism without the sensationalism. Displayed the emotions of the moment without invading the privacy. Thank you for sharing.
January 22nd, 2010 at 2:43 pm EGMT+5
What an incredible and respectful job. I don’t think that I have ever shed a tear viewing images before this.
January 22nd, 2010 at 6:08 pm EGMT+5
There, but for the grace of God, lies me… I was hit in the chest in action and survived.
My heart goes out to the families of every serving soldier in action today. But special credit to the family who allowed the publication of these photos. Beautiful, touching, poignant, but such a privilege to be able to be part of…x
January 29th, 2010 at 7:28 pm EGMT+5
I do not have the words to describe how much these photos impact me. I’ve never felt such devotion to people I’ve never known before. You did an incredible job of capturing the emotions and the vulnerability of the families, while being completely respectful and honorable in how you did it. Thank you.