Photographing a funeral
Chelsie Jirtle, 5, holds a flag given to her by soldiers as the casket for her father, U.S. Army SPC Charles Scott Jirtle, is removed, Wednesday, June 16, 2010 in Lawton, Oklahoma. Hundreds of mourners came to First Baptist East Church in Lawton to attend the funeral. Jirtle, 29, of Lawton, was killed June 7, 2010 in the Kunar Province of Afghanistan. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman
Last week, Staff Photographer Jim Beckel covered a funeral for Charles Scott Jirtle. He contributes these thoughts about the event:
As a father, this image of a young girl clutching an American flag behind her father’s casket was one of the most difficult photographs I’ve ever taken. When I was younger, it was easier for me to remain detached from my subjects at this type of assignment. The passing years have brought not only wisdom, but the understanding that as a person, the emotions of my subjects often affect my emotions, and as a journalist my job is more complicated than simply observing and documenting. I still do the same job, but now I sometimes have to focus my lens through the tears.
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Comments
We know the Jirtle Family and saw so much pain and so much the “proud parents and children”. All of us as Americans should thank God every day for soldiers who lay down their lives for our freedom. God Bless his family and God Bless The USA!!!
Everytime we see someone in uniform, we should thank them for the service they provide our country. It is because of them that we have the freedoms we have, and sadly, they sometimes give the ultimate, their lives. God will protect his family, keep them strong, and his memory alive always in their hearts and minds.
Photos like this one should stir emotions in all Americans hearts. As a fellow oklahoman, and a service member in Afghanistan, I understand the difficulty that a deployment brings upon a soldiers family. I pray for Jirtle’s family. I hope America is appreciative of his and his families ultimate sacrifice he made to this great nation. God Bless