NPR

Video + Transcript: Michael Oreskes' Newseum Journalist Memorial Rededication Keynote

Read the full transcript of keynote remarks by NPR's Michael Oreskes during the 2017 Journalist Memorial Rededication at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.
NPR photo journalist David Gilkey and NPR Afghan interpreter Zabihullah Tamanna.

We are here this morning to remember those we've lost, to honor their commitment and to rededicate ourselves to the principals they believed in and died for.

It was one year ago today that we in public radio lost two fine colleagues—NPR's chief photographer, David Gilkey, and our Afghan interpreter and fellow journalist, Zabihullah Tamanna. They died on a road in Helmand province.

They were there doing the most fundamental thing any journalist can do. They were there to find for themselves the facts of America's longest war as the Afghan army took over the fighting.

David is sometimes described as one of his generations finest war photographers. But that's not quite right. He didn't photograph war.

He photographed the men and women, soldiers and civilians caught in these wars. Go look at his photos when you have a chance later.

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