Skip to Content
The Daily Dot home
The Daily Dot home
Advertisement
IRL

Here’s the story behind that iconic image of a bald eagle on a gravestone

eagle

Many people will recognize this image of a bald eagle perched on a gravestone, which makes the social media rounds every Memorial Day. 

Featured Video

But what's the story behind the photo? According to the Star Tribune, photographer Frank Glick was driving to work one morning through Fort Snelling National Cemetery when he spotted the bird atop the gravestone. He snapped more than 60 shots of the bald eagle, all from different angles.

After the photo went viral, Glick received many requests for it. The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Arlington National Cemetery have asked for a reprint, and everyone from soldiers in Afghanistan to veterans have called Snelling National about the photo.

Advertisement

While some have apparently argued that the image was Photoshopped, Glick insists that while he cropped it for publication in the Star Tribune, the photo is otherwise unaltered.

Years after the photo was originally printed, people are still talking about it on social media.

(Sorry, this embed was not found.)

https://twitter.com/dlreville/status/602893403861479424

Advertisement

https://twitter.com/TheAuraWah/status/602888610883461120

Happy Memorial Day.
H/T Star Tribune | Photo via usfwsnortheast/Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from The Daily Dot

See all posts

“Children make mistakes”: David Beckham appears to respond to Brooklyn’s explosive Instagram post about their family feud

"I do not want to reconcile with my family. I'm not being controlled, I'm standing up for myself for the first time in my life."

January 20, 2026

“Bravo”: The first look at Sophie Turner as Lara Croft in “Tomb Raider” series divides fans

"I absolutely cannot believe they're leaning into the classic outfit for her, this genuinely shocked me."

January 20, 2026

Anti-ICE protests pop up outside of Roblox’s digital HQ after chat function disappears

This isn't the first time ICE protests have taken place on Roblox.

January 20, 2026

“MAGA now stands for Make America Go Away”: Greenlanders protest the USA with red hats of their own

"People in Greenland are wearing these hats and honestly… I’m stealing it."

January 19, 2026