The Flag at Ground Zero | Oklahoma City News

A photographer’s chance shot at Ground Zero on 9/11 captured three firefighters raising an American flag amid rubble — a symbol of resilience that became a national icon, graced a U.S. postage stamp, and raised $10 million for victims’ families. Thomas E. Franklin, then a photojournalist for The Bergen Record, risked everything to document the chaos, eventually reaching Manhattan by police boat to record rescue efforts. He insists journalism must get close to truth, preserving history through real-time visuals as interpretations shift over time. That fleeting moment — a pause in the tragedy — yielded his most powerful image. Today, Franklin teaches journalism at Montclair State University, ensuring future generations understand the power of visual storytelling and the enduring strength found in shared sacrifice. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/2509c31bdb6d95aa