OMG I think I'm going to cry.

I was watching Today when this story came on.  The picture itself is very moving, but when the photographer started to tell the story behind this picture, my ears perked up. But then the story was cut short for a break, so I had to go online to find the rest of the story.  Took a few minutes, but I found it.  You see, I lost my 24 year old son last year, not in war, but in an automobile accident, exactly one week to the day that he became engaged.  My heart breaks for this young woman; I feel her pain the same way I feel the pain of my son's fiance on a daily basis.  I hope she has a good support system at home, and that she is able to find some comfort knowing that he is at peace.  

This picture is extremely moving.  While I am currently trying to understand completely why my 19 year old son is heading to Parris Island for Marine Boot Camp in less than a month, this picture made it all come together, along with the explanation that John Moore gave.  He went on to explain that this young lady explained to him that James Regan could have gone on to law school, etc but felt the need to serve his country.  Tears came to my eyes, I looked at my husband and said that is exactly what your son feels.   My son left a scholarship behind and school behind at the current moment to do the same thing....serve his country. God Bless these men and women who make this choice purely because they feel they need to do this for THEIR/OUR country.  I wish I could say that I was brave enough to do the same thing when I was a young women, but if I"m honest with myself...I just couldn't do it, purely out of fear.  I really don't know how anyone could see this picture as controversial.....I feel it is reality.  Thank you to this young women for allowing us to feel her grief and also share her graditude for the ultimate sacrifice her finance'gave.  God-speed to our troops and thank you John Moore for capturing this truley moving picture.  My thoughts and prayers are with the Regan family.

What a sad picture to begin the New Year with.  I hope the end of '08 does'nt end with sad pictures like this also.  (I guess alot depends on who wins the White House.)

A gripping and powerful image.  Can't believe some responded that the photo was "inappropriate."  What is inappropriate is how many brave men and women are being lost in this "inappropriate" war.

God rest their souls.

THANK YOU--LOVE IS STRONG AND FORGIVING --- TEARS!!

While watching the Today show this morning I saw this picture and my heart just broke. My husband is also serving in Iraq with the 3rd Squadron 2nd Calvary (Stryker) Regiment and all I could think about while looking at this picture is that this young lady who experiences the same fear I do, is now living it as reality. I grieve with her. This picture really hit home for me. Thank you so much for sharing it with the world.

I am a Vietnam vetran who has often been told "thank you" while I apreciate the coment I always tell them " Don't thank me, I came home to a free America, I was lucky enough to live my life and make my mistakes. Thank the men who lay in that cold ground and did not get that chance." This picture of Mary means so much to me. Thank you. Crewchief/Door Gunner 101st. Airborne Camp Eagle Vietnam 70-71. Jan 9th. it will be 37 yrs ago we had 1 in our Huey platoon killed 1 in the loach platoon and a pilot killed, 3 others were wounded that day and sent home. God bless you Mary, we will never forget!

 This is one of many reasons why we citizens should support our troops-they put their lives on the line for our freedom every day. I have the greatest respect for them-they carry democracy on their shoulders.    

Thank you for sharing with all of us: Death leaves such a heartache no one can heal, but love and friendship leaves a memory no one can steal. A year ago on Dec. 18, 2006 I lost my younger brother, a very special photographer .  I can never feel her pain but can relate because of all the visits I have made to his grave and my grief. I talk with him and prayer that God has wrapped his arms around him and all those before. I pray he hears me talking to him and knows how much we miss him and how dear he was to all of us. My heart aches when I look at this picture, she is so young and does not deserve so much pain, I hope all that view understand what sacrifice has been made when we lose some one we love so very much. We never know where life will take us. Life is so fragile and love is so pure.  I also ask God to hear her voice  and give all of her comfort in these times of grief.  I hope others are touched by the picture and understand to make each day full and be sure to show  your love because you may not have any tomorrows Thank you both for allowing us to grieve with her also.

i just came accross this picture now but although I really  know no military there right now, my nephew was there when it started.  He came home in one peice,THANK GOD,but my heart and prayers go out to every man.  I have great respect and love for our servicemen

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