As Memorial Day Nears, a Single Image That Continues to Haunt

LA Times Blog ^ | 5-25-12 | LILY BURANA

[radioone]

In the run-up to every Memorial Day weekend, for the past several years, a certain photo takes top spot in those most circulated among my fellow military and veteran wives. On blogs, on social media sites, it is shared and “liked” over and over. Taken by the photographer Todd Heisler from his 2005 award-winning series for The Rocky Mountain News, “Jim Comes Home” — which documents the return and burial of Second Lt. Jim Cathey of the Marines, who lost his life in Iraq — the photo shows his pregnant widow, Katherine, lying on an air mattress in front of his coffin. She’s staring at her laptop, listening to songs that remind her of Jim. Her expression is vacant, her grief almost palpable.

[PittsburghAfterDark]

In addition to her look the thing that strikes me is the Marine in dress blues.

Taking service rivalries aside there is something about a posted Marine in this roll that is so overwhelmingly stoic and absolute in its duty that the other services just don’t have. No offense meant to any of the armed services but... the Marines own this one.

Is there ever anything you’d rather hear in a time of trouble in a foreign land and, God forbid domestically, than sir/ma’am United States Marines?

Semper Fi.

[Vision]

They are photographic modern Norman Rockwell’s.

[Yardstick]

I’d like to know more about the photographer’s background. Is he a lefty?

[knarf]

[SERE_DOC]

Think of that picture then think of these......

Marines disarmed when that POS came for a visit.....
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/marines-told-to-disarm-before-panettas-speech-in-afghanistan-.aspx?pageID=238&nid=16152

Or this....

What the now standing hero's do, comparing their service, to what these cowards in elected office is a abomination to the service members memories and history....

not to mention the founding patriots who risked all.

When is enough enough...

When Sen. L. Graham yells on the floor that "when you say you want a lawyer, tell him to shut up, you don't get a lawyer"

Tell me why this POS is still drawing a paycheck?

[usconservative]

Yep, that one tugs at my heart strings. Here's another that just makes me cry every time I see it. Notice the young boy struggling to hold back the tears.

Prayers for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms this weekend. May almighty God keep them keep them near to his heart, and bless the families of the fallen this Memorial Day. Protect and keep them from all further harm.

Semper Fi, Dad. RIP.

[usconservative]

Yep, that one tugs at my heart strings. Here's another that just makes me cry every time I see it. Notice the young boy struggling to hold back the tears.

Prayers for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms this weekend. May almighty God keep them keep them near to his heart, and bless the families of the fallen this Memorial Day. Protect and keep them from all further harm.

Semper Fi, Dad. RIP.

[usconservative]

Not sure why that double-posted, I only hit Post once. Sorry everyone.

[Joe Brower]

[trebb]

In addition to her look the thing that strikes me is the Marine in dress blues. Taking service rivalries aside there is something about a posted Marine in this roll that is so overwhelmingly stoic and absolute in its duty that the other services just don’t have. No offense meant to any of the armed services but... the Marines own this one. Is there ever anything you’d rather hear in a time of trouble in a foreign land and, God forbid domestically, than sir/ma’am United States Marines? Semper Fi.

No offense taken (24 yrs AF), the Marines are special in my heart and do exude competent confidence.

[class8601_nuke]

Just to let you know, I’m stealing this one. God Bless our veterans.

[grey_whiskers]

Every time I see that picture I just want to [censored] every last [censored][censored]ing member of the press and every [censored] liberal and Democrat in existence.

NO Cheers, unfortunately.