Northwestern University held a memorial service for journalist James Foley tonight in Evanston. Foley, an alumnus of their Medill School of Journalism, was killed by Islamic State militants in August after being kidnapped and held in Syria.
The service was held in Alice Millar Chapel on campus, a large campus space with huge stained glass windows. These beautiful colors faded to darkness as the sun set during the memorial.
James’ mother, Diane Foley, spoke about how her son found his calling in giving a voice to people who needed it in war zones on the other side of the world.
“We really need courageous journalists in this world. It’s one of the hallmarks of our society,” Diane Foley told the gathered mourners. “And it’s certainly something I pray our country can come to value as much as our servicemen who also risk their lives.”
I found that last line particularly striking. I’ve never covered a war, and I’m not brave enough to be heading off to Syria anytime soon. But I’ve read accounts from some returning journalists questioning their own decision.
All journalists probably wonder whether our work can make a difference, even though most are working comfortably in our own backyards. That must be especially hard to reconcile when working in a dangerous situation abroad. You believe so strongly that the reporting is worth risking your life, but also need to believe the public will recognize that value.
I take special note of bylines on stories and photos from exotic locations. Partly because I’m interested in who’s producing great journalism, but also to think about the people who produced it under trying circumstances. I wish we had to the chance to see more of Foley’s work that he gave everything to bring us, whether or not we were looking.
His family has established a James Foley Legacy fund to help aspiring journalists. Foley will be posthumously awarded the Medill Medal for Courage in December.
