i think that is often the way with photographing events, etc.
initially the memory of the actual experience is so alive
and filled with the emotion of the moment
no document
no matter how comprehensive
no matter how filled with "presence"
can match that

but as the immediacy of the event fades
we find that the images can spark those emotions
bring back those feelings
and even show us new things that might have escaped our attention
during the actual experience
then the true value of the pictures,
the records of the events
can truly shine
for years and years to come