by Speedy - Support Veterans
Member since:
May 8, 2007

This Is Our War - Day 10 - Tribute to Soldiers, Veterans, and the Fallen

November 09, 2007 10:51 AM EST (Updated: November 09, 2007 10:52 AM EST)
views: 175 | rating: 10/10 (31 votes) | comments: 37

The book This Is Our War: A Soldiers' Portfolio: Servicemen's Photographs of Life in Iraq presents 256 photos that GQmagazine collected from American servicemen and women, in order to tell the story of America's Iraq experience with their pictures in their own voices.

Today is the last day of the book giveaway in veterans.gather.com. All you have to do is show your support for our soldiers and veterans by leaving a comment about the picture below for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Today's picture is a salute to the fallen soldiers who died in Iraq. Some of the photographs in This Is Our War are the final ones these soldiers' families have of their loved ones.

Photo taken by Petty Officer First Class Kevin H. Tierney, U.S. Navy

An Nasiriyah

Chief Warrant Officers Andrew T. Arnold and Robert W. Channell were killed by a rocket-propelled grenade near Al Kut. With only live rounds available during the field memorial service a few days later, the twenty-one-gun salute was fired into the ground.

 http://media-files.gather.com/images/d992/d456/d744/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg
 

Excerpted from THIS IS OUR WAR (Artisan Books) Copyright by The Conde Nast  Publications, Inc.  Photograph copyrightKevin H. Tierney.

 

```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````  

Veterans.gather.com is a community for veterans, those actively serving, family and friends to share their perspectives on social, economic, health issues and more. Raise your awareness by reading up to date information from Paralyzed Veterans of America. To join, click here.

 
link to this page
Bookmark this post:
Facebook
Twitter
Delicious
Buzz
More

Comments: 37

Rita j. Nov 9, 2007, 10:53am EST
great article
Tina (a slightly smaller Spanky) B. Nov 9, 2007, 10:59am EST
Thank you.
Denise B. Nov 9, 2007, 11:15am EST
tragic, thanks for this
Tina Coruth Nov 9, 2007, 11:26am EST
My heart goes out to their families, my heartfelt thanks go out to these brave soldiers.
Shawn M. Nov 9, 2007, 11:53am EST
This picture brings the phrase, "Although all gave some, some gave all." into clear perspective. The marine saluting his fallen brothers with the flag illustrates the true cost of war. Forget the money that has been spent, honor the blood that has been spilled. Those marine's sacrifice shall not be for nothing. They will forever be American heroes.
Dee - Nature Babe! Nov 9, 2007, 11:53am EST
thank you for sharing! The book is not here yet, AAFES overseas.
Sharon A. Nov 9, 2007, 12:12pm EST
This is wonderful. Thank you for sharing this.
TK Rosevear Nov 9, 2007, 1:00pm EST
Sound the Bugle Speedy...
A Veteran's Remembrance article I'll be posting on Sunday 11/11 at 11am to commemmorate the very first ceremony, is open for names of service people to be honored by Gather members - comments to "Calling all Veterans" or an e-mail will assure acknowledgement - thanks.
donna f. Nov 9, 2007, 1:18pm EST
So poignant and sad. One day we will have figured out a way to resolve conflicts without the use of our most valuable resources, our own citizens. A gal can hope, can't she?
DiAnA D. Nov 9, 2007, 1:21pm EST
God Bless.. God Rest..
Suzi :Two sides to every story Nov 9, 2007, 1:26pm EST
Out of all the photos displayed thus far, this one is by far the most poignant. Tears are rolling down my checks while I envision the loss of life by men so young--men described in a single photo, a photo that illustrates what is left of two soldiers. War is always a tragedy. No one wins.
J. G. Weddle Nov 9, 2007, 2:12pm EST
Very moving photo.
Susan *. Nov 9, 2007, 2:35pm EST
this is one of those images that really gets me....very moving indeed!

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
Veronique AKA Zoe Nov 9, 2007, 2:53pm EST
I agree with everyone, such a poignant image and it really does move me. The long shadows, the sadness knowing that these are two of our fallen soldiers all gives us yet again another very sad and heartbreaking aspect of this war.
Lisa Frost Nov 9, 2007, 3:16pm EST
This is an honest moving tribute to two of our fallen soldiers. It is an awesome touching photo. Thank you for sharing it.
Michelle W. Nov 9, 2007, 3:20pm EST
I love pictures like this. It is sad when one of our own dies, but it is a beautiful way their brothers and sisters honor them. They actually do a much better job of it than the people back home do.
Cheri Cabot Nov 9, 2007, 3:51pm EST
a heart-wrenching and haunting photograph.
Seeing those boots, rifles and helmets always takes me back to the days when my husband was at war. The daily fear I felt all those years will never completely leave me.

My heart goes out to all the families and loved ones of our fallen heroes.
Matthew Emmett Townsend Nov 9, 2007, 4:57pm EST
Some say it is Tragic
Some say it is sad
Some sake there heads and wonder why

But I say, Hero's are never Tragic
I say, Heroism is never sad
I raise my head and sing praise to the men and women who have given me this day...

Let it be Amazement
Let it be with Joy
Let it be with our love, that we remember each soul....

United they gave freedom
United they still be
United in their love of you and me...

Give comfort to the wives
Give strength to the children
Give us Oh Lord an understanding vision...

I will dedicate my days
I will dedicate my life
To supporting those who are willing to die...

We know you today
We will remember you each day
Gone but Not Forgotten you shall ever remain....


Copyright Nov 9th, 2007 by Matthew Emmett Townsend
M. E. U. Nov 9, 2007, 5:28pm EST
My condolences to these soldier's parents as well as my admiration to them for giving our country heroes and patriots. This picture speaks volumes of the dedication and love so many have for freedom and democracy.
Bill's Spirit Nov 9, 2007, 5:37pm EST
A poignant photo of a moving tribute.

May God Bless Them... for giving their lives in service to our country.

Thank you for sharing this with us. 10
Connie C. Nov 9, 2007, 6:37pm EST
I saw a large wooden sign in a families yard. This family lost a loved one in this war in Iraq. The sign said "THIS FAMILY STILL SUPPORTS THE TROOPS"

I have thought often about this family. They could have chosen to become bitter for their loss but they choose to be proud and support the efforts of those who are fighting in the military. That is true support.

This photo reminded me of that family. Our Family Supports our troops as well.
CITIZEN M Nov 9, 2007, 9:05pm EST
As a military family member - I can only express the sadness and the emptyness I know you will be going through. I know in the months to come there will be those that approach you and tell you ..they are thankfull for your sons duty to country and his fellow soldiers..the pain will ebb with time, but those of us that are actually sharing the sacrifice know the truth..I shall hope the pain doesnt immobilize you. Knowing your family member died in the service of this country- is saying something. We live in a country that forgets easily. BUt the fact that a young man would want to stand for something above himself is honorable. Something more of our kids need to be taught..there is something far greater than your own greed.I hear about hero's - some say sports figures- I say those that are actually serving our country are far more heroic than those that have the audacity to send others to fight wars when they themselves have never stepped foot on the battle field .The loss of your child shall reverberate through the history of your family. And I have never supported the war ..but always the warrior.
Norma S. Nov 9, 2007, 10:25pm EST
What a sad photo. My heart goes out to all military families.As a military wife/mother, I can empathise with them. God bless us all.
ELLEN B. Nov 9, 2007, 11:03pm EST
That must be one of the most sincere group of mourner's I have ever seen. And the desolation of it, there only with each other, and the loss they are feeling. The thoughts that must go through their weary heads. God bless them and all who love and miss them. God keep them in your care, and give us the strength to live our lives, not ever forgetting what someone's loved has unselfishly given to us, "Freedom'! To those unknown to me, who loved someone who no longer wears those boots, or carries his weapon, I suffer because I cannot reach you. But I pray that the best of our country, can.They are heroe's one and all. I will not forget one of them in my prayers, ever. Ellen B
Doyle ( IS SOOO 7 for 7 soon... ) C. Nov 9, 2007, 11:25pm EST
The sounds of the weapons firing for the salute ALWAYS makes me jump. It is SO final. SO real. SO terrible. SO respectful! Sometimes word do not suffice. Thank God for photographers.

Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
Member Photog Nov 9, 2007, 11:37pm EST
This book, this photo, brings the war home!...this is one of many moments seen through the eyes of our troops conveying honor and heartfelt emotions for those who put their lives on the line daily....this photo shows one harsh reality of war...never let the fallen be forgotten....my sincere condolences to their family

I salute the brave women and men with wishes that they return home sooner than later.....peace,gayle
Poliwonk USA Nov 10, 2007, 9:11am EST
All Gave Some. Some Gave All. May we never forget those who died so that we may live free.
Rose S. Nov 11, 2007, 6:42am EST
I am touched, thank you for sharing the pictures with me.
Chasity B. Nov 12, 2007, 9:25am EST
This is such an amazing and sad photo at the same time.This is a wonderful shot and it shows that our soilders, truely are brothers and remember and honor their fallen brothers.I really enjoyed all the photos,which were posted,during this tribute.Will there be a list of winners posted,as to who won a copy of the book?Also,if anyone is not a winner and would like to purchase the book,do you know where we can purchase it?
Pam A. Nov 12, 2007, 2:52pm EST
Thank you for this article. It literally brought me to tears to see that inverted rifle and helmet again - taking me back to our son's funeral service immediately. As a family who has lost a son I am indebted to you for posting this today.
Roberta Moto Nov 12, 2007, 3:59pm EST
thank you for sharing such great pictures and giving us a chance to win the book. Wonderful contest. Wonderful book.
Todd L Nov 28, 2007, 12:40pm EST
No matter how many times you see it, it never gets easier....
penni d. Nov 29, 2007, 7:26pm EST
i CRY for our soldiers, and for their families, and yes, for those who they must harm in order to survive.........
Ron (in complete sheeple overload) W. Dec 8, 2007, 9:40am EST
On a mission, can't talk now, Trying to give fifty points (at least) to all my connections for Christmas, or whatever:

Ten unsolicited points from the world's worst connection. Merry whatever you celebrate!

Join the Conversation
Chime in! Become a Gather member to comment.
Already a member? Sign in
top
 
Gather | Friends | Groups | Share
About Gather | Engagement Marketing | Make New Friends | Gather Points | Advertise on Gather | Gather Press | Privacy | Terms of Service | Community Guidelines
Books | Celebs | Entertainment | Family | Food | Health | Moms | Money | News | Politics | Spirituality | Sports | Travel | Writing
Version 16836, "Oz"; Copyright © 2009 Gather Inc. All rights reserved.