Credit: Associated Press and photographer Sal Veder

This is Thanksgiving weekend — a time to reflect and give thanks for the lives we are living.  Those of you who are old enough will remember back in 1973 a time when our nation gave “Thanks” for our prisoners being returned home, some following years of captivity, from the Vietnam War.

And, there was probably no image of that thankfulness more ingrained on Americans than the thankfulness expressed in the photo “Burst of Joy”.  “Burst of Joy” captured the family of returning U.S. pilot Col. Robert Stirm on the tarmac of Travis Air Force Base in California upon his return.

We also learned last week that Col. Stirm died on Veterans’ Day, November 11, 2025, in Farifield, California, at the age of 92 years.

Here’s what was said of this photo in this recent article from Military.com:

“Burst of Joy,” the iconic black-and-white image capturing the Stirm family at Travis Air Force Base in California, was published in newspapers throughout the nation. Taken by Associated Press photographer Sal Veder, it won a Pulitzer Prize and has continued to resonate through the years, a symbol of the end of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.

The same article reported the following about Col. Strim:

“Stirm, a decorated pilot, was serving with the 333rd Tactical Fighter Squadron based in Thailand in 1967. During a bombing mission over North Vietnam that Oct. 27, his F-105 Thunderchief was hit and he was shot three times while parachuting. He was captured immediately upon landing.

He was held captive for 1,966 days in five different POW camps in Hanoi and North Vietnam, including the notorious “Hanoi Hilton,” known for torturing and starving its captives, primarily American pilots shot down during bombing raids. Its most famous prisoner was the late U.S. Sen. John McCain, who also was shot down in 1967.”

Another article featuring Col. Stirm and announcing his death appeared in Stars & Stripes and you can access that article here.

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

Tukios Introduces “Photo Gallery,” A Modern Way to Share Memories

Ogden, UT – September 26, 2025 — Tukios, a leader in funeral technology solutions, is proud to announce the launch of an updated Photo Gallery feature, designed to give families a more meaningful and uplifting way to honor their loved ones online.

This introduces two new updated fresh, modern designs to choose from. These are located under the obituary section, allowing visitors to easily browse cherished images and relive memories through a beautifully presented gallery.

The updated Photo Gallery feature brings both style and substance to the online tribute experience. Photos beneath each obituary now appear in an elegant, refreshed format that brings memories to life. Visitors can then click “See More” to expand the gallery and browse additional images. Families and funeral homes can choose from three newly updated gallery styles, giving each memorial page a layout that best reflects the tone and personality of the tribute.

For funeral homes, the feature provides a modern look and feel that elevates the overall appearance of websites with a clean, contemporary design. It also integrates seamlessly, automatically updating under the obituary section without requiring additional setup. Tukios website users now have the ability to go onto any obituary and custom select which gallery style appears, offering greater flexibility and personalization. These features are created to put funeral homes at the center, giving them easy-to-use tools that allow them to serve families with confidence and care.

For families, the gallery offers more than just aesthetics, it creates a meaningful space to celebrate the life of their loved one through pictures. Each layout is designed to present memories in a respectful and uplifting way, ensuring that every image is displayed tastefully. Together, these updates make it easier for funeral homes to serve families with warmth while giving visitors a comforting place to reflect on treasured moments.

Supporting Families in Meaningful Ways

The Photo Gallery helps families reflect on their loved one’s story with dignity and warmth. By presenting images in a thoughtful, visually engaging format, this feature ensures that memories remain central to the online tribute experience.

Availability

The Photo Gallery feature is available at no additional cost for funeral homes hosting their websites with Tukios. Funeral professionals can reach out to their Tukios account manager to learn more.

About Tukios

Tukios creates software to improve funerals. Their innovative platform powers thousands of funeral home websites, stunning video tributes, and streamlined e-commerce experiences. Tukios is known for leading the profession in AI technology, offering tools that simplify day-to-day tasks, elevate the online experience, and keep funeral homes visible and relevant in an ever-changing digital landscape. Whether it’s a family visiting a website or an AI assistant looking for answers, Tukios ensures your story is told clearly and beautifully every time.