1st and 2nd place international photo contest winners

[Cal]

These got me. They are of a Lakota Marine's funeral:

http://cfapp2.rockymountainnews.com/slideshow/slideshow.cfm?type=DEFAULT&ID=012006lundstrom&NUM=1

Poignant images, from about 30 minutes away from here. However, I am of the opinion that a few of the photos that were very personal and moments of grief should not have been photographed to share with the rest of the world...just doesn't seem very respectful.

I think people need to see this sort of thing to remind them that freedom isn't always free, even the most emotional photos. Both sides of the war need to realize and appricate the sacrifices these soldiers and their familys make. Two of my best friends donated the use of the team and wagon and their time. They were offered pay but absolutly wouldn't take anything they said it was a great honor to be able to help out. They told me all about the experence but the pictures were much more powerful than just words.

I am of the opinion that the point you are making was illustrated very well without what could be considered as exploitation of distraught women.

 

[Jinglebob]

Dang had to sign in 3 times ...too many tears. Tristen will be leaving for boot camp in 4.5 weeks. Yes, I know he will be going "over there" and he just might come back that way.
He is proud to serve and is looking forward to going. He knows it will be hard and the cost might be his life. He says he never wants to watch the TV for hours and know some other family lost a loved one in a senseless act of terror.
I know I have to be strong and not show how scared I am. He has enough to worry about other than Mom. I thought I could handle it with no pain or tears. Seeing thoses pictures brought it all back and opened the flood gates. Yes I am still proud and will support him all the way,but as it draws near the tears and fears become harder. I will never second guess his decission nor would I ever dream of talking him out of going. I know if he does come home drapped ina flag I will know that was his choice he he was proud to serve his country. I will never disgrace his honor by talking against the soliders nor the war effort they are serving.
I am thankful for the close friends whom I can cry and vent I will be needing them more in the next couple of weeks.
My only wish is that ..............no I will not voice that. He will be home and then will meet the people who stood behind me and held me while I was supporting him.

We had one over there for almost a year. We worried about him coming home under a flag also. I consoled myself, that statisticly, he was safer there than in most large cities in this country.

And also remember, whether they are buried with full militaryt honors in the near future or many years from now, they served proudly and we owe them a great debt. And we all must go sometimes. It's what you do while you are here that counts, not how long it took you to do it.

Tell him thanks for us and our prayers are with him and all our service members.