Powerful Images Captured in History

Probably one of the most powerful tools that have lived and served through time is photography. Through pictures, time stops and the world listen. A photo is not just a mere display of features that can be easily torn and forgotten through the rubbles of history. It speaks what it is that cannot be comprehended in words; hears what isn’t uttered; sees what isn’t revealed in the naked eye; and unveils what is hidden. It may detract, alter or expose the truth; or may bring or stop a certain happening. There is no extent as to how powerful a single click in a camera can change the world or even one’s perspective of the world. Here is a collection of striking images that prove just how powerful images are through the test of time.

A devastating look for humanity
Source: Buzzfeed

A devastating look for humanity

This photo of a traumatized boy speaks the haunting truth behind the harrowing war going on in Syria. The image of the boy sitting in silent distress speaks in behalf of all the people affected and suffering because of the war that is damaging the lives of many, especially children. He is Omran Daqneesh, who became the “symbol of Aleppo’s suffering,” photographed at an ambulance after an air strike destroyed his home in 2016.

An exchange of love instead of violence
Source: Huffington Post Canada

An exchange of love instead of violence

A heart-melting moment is captured when a Romanian child gives out a heart-shaped, white balloon while holding hands with his father, to riot police. This was during a protest in the University Square in Bucharest, Romania wherein thousands of protesters walked down the streets to protest on the harsh austerity measures imposed by the president.

A horde of restlessness and exhaustion
Source: Buzzfeed

A horde of restlessness and exhaustion

A crowded pile of exhausted bodies swarm inside one of the prison cells in the Philippines. Some are sitting; most are lying down uncomfortably, with legs crossed and touched at each other – this is a naked  picture of the growing number of inmates struggling in the little space that have been compromised for their immensity. This is an awakening glimpse of the real tightening situation of prison life.

An unwavering stance
Source: The Red Phoenix

An unwavering stance

This was taken during the 1968 Olympic Games wherein two athletes took an unwavering gesture of solidarity by raising their fists. The two athletes are African American Tommie Smith as well as John Carlos who demonstrated Olympics Black Power Salute while on a medal ceremony in the Olympic Stadium located in Mexico City. Theirs was an act of resistance and defiance which put both of them into expulsion from the games.

A world of compassion
Source: Daily Mail

A world of compassion

Unity and love among all creatures – this was the benevolent act of a group of Christians at a prayer in 2011. This was located in Cairo, Egypt wherein Christians were captured encircling the Muslims during the surge of uprising taking place in the country.   A reminder of how beautiful and peaceful is a world undivided by race or religion.

The unconditional love between two creatures
Source: Pinterest

The unconditional love between two creatures

After the devastating tsunami that swept in Japan in 2011, a man breaks down into sobs at the sight of his dog. The both of them are reunited in a heartwarming surge of emotions.

A moment of real serenity
Source: Imgur

A moment of real serenity

Often, the only thing that would ever work amidst the chaos is music. The healing power of music brings a solemn atmosphere in the place at the height of a tormenting battle. This is a Russian soldier who halts to play a deserted piano in Chechnya back in year 1994. When other things can no longer lead to peace, music is a good thing to trust.

The incomparable look of bewilderment
Source: Rare Historical Photos

The incomparable look of bewilderment

A memorably amazed gaze of Harold Whittles upon hearing for the first time. An earpiece is placed in his ear by a doctor to give him the beauty of sounds. His priceless reaction is beautiful beyond words.

A helping hand to hold
Source: Pinterest

A helping hand to hold

Compassion has no name nor is face – every species on earth is capable of helping another species on earth. This heartwarming moment proves just so. Back in 2009, at the surge of the destructing Black Saturday bushfires, a sympathetic firefighter provides water to a koala while holding its hands.

A priceless interlock of love
Source: Pinterest

A priceless interlock of love

This is the beautiful capture of a flooding love between a mother and her child upon reunion. After a long separation of 7 months while serving in Iraq, Terri Gurrola comes home to encounter this outpour of emotions.

Bravery in serenity
Source: Pinterest

Bravery in serenity

A photo that eventually started the symbolic movement of the peaceful flower power – a young, calm pacifist Jane Rose Kasmir plants a flower on one of the guard’s bayonets as an act of nonviolence at the Pentagon. This was taken at the height of a protest on October 21, 1967 against the devastating Vietnam War. This is a lasting photograph by Marc Riboud named as “La Jeune Fille a la Fleur,” which have since then professed messages of non-aggression and peace.

Standing in brave defiance
Source: Wikipedia

Standing in brave defiance

A brave figure stands unfazed in front of four enormous Chinese tanks following the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests or the so-called June Fourth Incident. The mysterious rebel named as the Tank Man displayed defiance in a fearless pursuit.

An exchange of affections
Source: The Guardian

An exchange of affections

After the wreckage of the 2012 Tornado, Greg Cook searches for his dog Coco inside the ruins of his home in Alabama. A torrent of emotions overflows as both of them land at each other’s arms once again.

Connecting humanity
Source: England’s England

Connecting humanity

Two hands deliver a strong message on one of the tragic truths oftentimes neglected by the world – a hand of a missionary clasping a hand of a child struck by starvation.

A silent warrior
Source: Frmtr

A silent warrior

In honor of Zanjeer, the heroic dog who detected a total of more than 3,329 kgs of 249 grenades, explosive RDX, 6406 rounds of live ammunition and 600 detonators, saving more than a thousand lives. Zanjeer was honored in his burial in 2009.

The resounding truth
Source: GitHub

The resounding truth

Depicting the tormenting reality of the lives affected by deep alcohol addiction and the damaging impact it has on family members. A child forces his father to move away from an awry street.

The only audience you’ll ever need
Source: Reddit

The only audience you’ll ever need

Most of the time, you’ll find the most faithful listeners in animals. No matter what course there is, you know you always have somebody on your back. The photo depicts the scene wherein a dedicated child plays the flute while an attentive cat absorbs in the music splashing around.

The fight for humanity
Source: Love Meow

The fight for humanity

A compassionate man named Sergeant Frank Praytor feeds a two-week old kitten during the chaotic time of the Korean War.

A peaceful revolution
Source: Kindness Blog

A peaceful revolution

A man nonchalantly walks down the street with nothing but a powerful instrument with him on an ongoing protest. He plays the guitar instead of choosing violence at a division in the street.