A man I know who is in his late 70's has been in the hospital twice in the last year. I want to ask if he is a police officer pictured in a rather famous photo from the Jim Crow era. Nothing violent, just standing on the wrong side of history, though I understand it was a different time.
He hinted about his presence on that particular day once a few years ago but I haven't found a way to bring it up without seeming to pry.
I know he was a police officer in that state at that time. I have researched the photo extensively but the officers aren't named anywhere but I think the resemblance is entirely possible.
Have any of you questioned people about events they'd rather forget? How did it go?
Another concern if he does admit it's him in the photo should I document it? Or would it cause grief to the family in the future if his name is known? I think it is more of a positive than a negative. Thoughts?
This is a good link for asking questions to WWII/Korea/Vietnam vets. You should be able to mold these questions to fit your circumstances more.