Heart wrenching and depicts what words cannot adequately express.
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I have a very good friend buried in Section 60 of Arlington, a friend that I miss everyday with an intensity that is hard to describe. May blessings be upon this woman, and may the angels guide her along the path to healing.
This displays the fallacy of "acceptable losses." There is always someone for whom it is not acceptable.
To all those who have lost loved ones to war, I and my children thank you for your sacrifice.
Our war dead cannot ever be justly honored. This image speaks to the pain and heartache that such losses create. By the way, this is my first posting here and your instructions are wrong. -Thanks for the voice
I see no disrespect. May Mary find the peace and comfort she desires so that she may continue to live her life journey.
this photo touches my heart in ways only some one that has been there can know. My heart grieves with this young woman and the love she lost, never to grow old with the love of her life. A life cut down in its prime.Please know that my prayers are with you in these terrible days of heart break and loneliness. KD
We must never forget those who have given us freedom and liberty.
I realize that photography does tell a story. But the story this one tells is, in my opinion, eavesdropping on a very personal moment in this young woman's life. It's one thing to mourn as a nation, yet it's another to mourn in solitude...THIS is personal. They photographer may as well have been going through her most secret possessions in a box hidden from sight, or have read out loud from her diary, that's what this photograph tells me. I believe this was the wrong time to take picture, and very inappropriate!
Wow--such sorrow and longing. It moves one to tears. Pro or con on the war, this photo really defines the human longing for a lost partner...
It none of our business whether this is appropriate or not. That's for her to decide. It's her grief to bear, her future, her life that she lays upon. Only she can determine the proper expression of this infathomable loss. May God bless her and her fallen hero.
This picture is beautiful and breaks my heart. It speaks to the monumental amount of suffering that this war has caused. Soldiers bravely die and so do their families. My prayers go out to this woman and the many others in her shoes.
The only ways to truly honor our soldiers who lost their lives are to keep their memories alive and honor those who are still fighting. Thank you Sgt. Regan for your sacrifice. And thank you Ms. McHugh for having the courage to love him.
Maybe this IS what America needs to see...the true grief of someone. Maybe this picture will make a powerful enough statement to people and they will realize that we are fighting a real war with real people dying everyday.
This picture is worth more than 1,000 words. It makes a person want to cry with Mary. This picture should be sent to all leaders in all countries, for this represents the true cost of war
This pic needs no words. The dispair this young woman is evident. But it is interesting that you'd probably never see a senator's family in this situation. Oh, that's right. They are placed out of harms way. Maybe the war would have taken a different path had more senators' or a president's daughter or son would have gotten killed. It seems that the everyday individuals are more dispensible.
I don't understand why you would use the word, "appropriate." This image arrested my internet-clicking and made me think about those who are left behind. A moment of reflection amidst the blizzard of MEMORIAL-DAY-SELL-A-THONS! was meaningful to me.
Sua Sponte
Do we really need to invade this woman's privacy in order to make a point about the war? This neither pays tribute to our fallen, nor says anything else of worth. It is plainly and simply an invasion of the privacy of a person who has made an incredible sacrifice. Let's look for better ways to pay tribute to the fallen...and those grieving their loss.
Gripping. But, I am not young and I see this as a father and perhaps it hurts a little more as I know the children in this war are innocent and a young life bereaved, and a young death are, in a generational way, 'my fault'. Why couldn't I stop this picture?? As a pic, I love it, though it hurts.
I think that this picture portrays so an emotions in such a simple way ... honor, love, loyalty, patriotism, sadness. There also seems to be a symblolism in the way she is laying across the grave; as if she is close to him -- almost hugging him. So sad!! So honorable!
G.I.--government issue. Our "war dead" are more than just government issue...they have fiances, spouses, children, parents, grandparents, and, before the war death...a future. Sgt. Regan had plans for a life with his fiance. This picture helps me to see the man "behind" the marker. Mary's love, devotion and grief honor the man.
This photo hurts my heart
As the young mourn, so do the older folk. The man to the right of the picture appears to be standing next to a woman in a wheel chair. Was it too hard for her to get to the grave of her loved one? Thanks be to those who put their live on the line when called upon to serve, and hearts go out to those left with the empty chair at the dinner table.
The history of this nation, from its first uncertain steps until now, is lined with countless graves of the fallen. No matter what we do now, or in the future, the passage of time will be marked by graves like this. By loss like this. By grief like this. If we do NOTHING else, we must work to insure that no life is wasted on the battlefield poorly choosen, poorly planed, and unnecessary. We owe our troops nothing less then to spend their blood and lives carefully, and with great reluctance.
This image says what it means to lose someone close to you. You can take millions of pictures on memorial day but this is the one for me. Full of emotion.
it shows the effect death has on us as humans.the pain ,agony that the loved ones have to deal with.for what? many people think that the aztecs were cruel to offer their offspring to their gods ,ironically this country does the same to thier citizens sacrificing them to the god of war.for what? what does this country give you in return ?surely not your son,daughter,father,brother.is there anything more precious to us than our family that you can be rewarded with a medal of honor or a flag to compensate for the loss?this things can't love you back they can be replaced. but not life. so how are your suppose to come to terms with such loss?surely not time but what you do with time.
This image and this Memorial day in general has left me with conflicting emotions. On one hand I want to honor those who have sacrificed so much and the families that continue to do so. Yet at the same time a voice in the back of my mind tells me that we have to move away from this glorification of war, the way we always attach qualities like courage, bravery, and honour to war will only serve to make us all too tolerant of it. I have heard the phrase "freedom isn't free" so much today and it almost makes me sick now. To say such a thing only serves to dismiss the true costs of warfare by distilling it down to nothing but a catchy slogan.
This photo is definitely speaking volumes. This image evokes lost love, lost future, lost hopes and dreams,lost children; ie...an altered life. Yet, the prone position of the grieving lover evokes thoughts of undying love and eternal devotion. 'Though death may part, still my love...you're in my heart.'
What a beautfully sad photo. Something so emotional and powerful just breaks my heart.
This picture displays the raw emotion and impact felt throughout the country, whether you're for or against the War. As a fellow serviceman, I feel her pain and hope Ms. McHugh is able to pick up and move on and understand the cost of war more fully. Too many in our nation pay lip-service to understanding the "cost of war" (most notably those who decide to send my fellow service men and women into battle around the world) but few have actually experienced it. It is unfortunate that Ms. McHugh's grief has to bring the issue to light again (the issue of actual cost of war), but hopefully she understands that it is for a greater good.
Support for soldiers doesn't mean support for the war. I think we, as a nation, have matured enough to understand that. That said, I sometimes feel there isn't enough we can do to honor our war dead. This photo illustrates the reality of what drives each soldier -- not the lofty ideals but the real one-to-one human contact that means so much to all of us. I stood in a junkyard in Iraq one day full of destroyed vehicles and saw in it the end of hundreds of lives each with all the fullness and baggage that goes with it. We honor our war dead not with parades and speeches but instead by not taking for granted even the tiniest of gifts in our every moment alive. We honor all our soldiers by living to our best and fullest potentials.
It says something no words can describe.If you can't feel it ... I pray someday she finds comfort.
To sad for words...........
We're all so used to seeing those pictures of the "heroes" of war, and others that try to glorify and make war something to want to emulate. This shot puts the the plain truth into the light. It shows how the idiotic decisions of a man who thinks he's king can effect each and every one of us.
how sorrowful,how sympathy,how detestable the war!
I saw the photo over the weekend, and instantly knew what had happened to the young woman's life. A war of any kind when fought on foreign soil is emotionally distant to most of us, Vietnam was for my generation, but photos like this one help us all understand the emotional cost of war. No one wins in war, and those rank and file who fight it are the ones who bear the burdens. Since women have traditionally been kissed and left behind to do what women do...they often lose the most. Husband, father, confidante, friend, brother, this photo wrenches your heart and makes you think.
She's out of her mind. Really embarrassing photo
I am very moved by this photo. It brings reality to the ones left behind, and shows the face of the grief and loss felt as a result of the war.
The picture shows a young woman mourning the loss of someone she deeply cared for and loved. It also symbolizes how young and innocent we all were once; which is demostrated by the simple attire she is wearing and her freedom to express herself.
It screams "Sad" and "Why?"
I think this photograph is heart wrenching.
Simple, but it speaks volumes.
If a picture speaks a thousand words, this picture is a book. How much more personal pain and suffering is our Government going to make our families and loved ones endure?
So touching. I feel for all the men and women out there who lost a loved one.
One more life shattered by the Bush war machine. What a shame that we voted in an administration that takes the easy way out. Peaceful resolutions are so much more difficult, and so much more elusive. This heartbreaking picture is a glaring example of our leaders failures.
This picture shows the hurt caused to numerous familys and friends at the lost of their loved ones. May God bless each and everyone person connected to someone who has given the ultimate sacrifice and bless those who are fighting and their loved ones, friends and children. It takes special people to defend this nation and my prayer is God watch and keep you all until you return home to your familes.
This is what makes me so angry about this war. There are so many people suffering because of it. I dont know many people who dont in some way know somebody effected by a death in this war anymore. So much pain, and so many lives turned upside down, with so little progress. When is enough going to be enough?
I wish Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney could feel this young ladies sorrow for just one minute. I wonder if she felt that her moment was lessened by the intrusion of this photographer?
Breaks my heart to see the pain and hurt that Loved ones feel.
As our commander in chief says, Sgt James was just "a comma".
This breaks my heart! It's obvious she's trying to get as close to her lost love as possible. For what little comfort she can get? God bless her!
Irrespective of your position on the war in Iraq, the totality of the grief, suffering and pain incurred by a loss like this should give one cause to reflect on the true price of war.
I am a photographer and I always try and capture emotions in my photos and this speaks many words. This photo gives me goosebumps... I have friends who have gone over to Iraq my ex-husband served two times in Iraq my boyfriend has also... I couldn't imagine loosing one of the them... and you can tell this woman has had her world turned upside down from her loss. I pray for those over there and the ones we all have lost.... but this picture can speak for itself its a very emotional photo... God Bless our fallen heros and the ones who still fight! and the ones they leave behind!
EAVESDROPPING??? How can it be eavesdropping if the photographer has the womans name? What kind of pictures would journalists get if we always had to walk around with a lawyer and privacy advocate asking permission to take pictures of anyone or anything? If you don't think images like this should be available, then stay inside. It's a compelling image, but on another note, regarding "acceptable losses". No loss is acceptable whether it be from a car accident (drinking, driving, jaywalking, no seatbelt, eating or not paying attention), suicide, murder, cancer, organ failure.
As an Army wife, I, too, grieve with Ms. McHugh. Although, this is only one of so many lives lost, it is a beautiful example of why we should all remember the sacrifices of all of our fallen soldiers.
I think every single picture of our dead soldiers being mourned should be sent to our President. He just doesn't get it!! It's more important to him to WIN!! No one wins in this situation - can't he see that???? This photo hurts me!! They all hurt and I grieve for the families who have had a loved one taken from them - all in the name of WINNING!!
the words that came to mind for me where "Now I lay me down to sleep I pray the Lord my soul to keep"
I feel for the young lady in the pic. I feel for the people of this country. I feel that if we had footage like we did in the Vietnam War, little catch phases "Freedom isnt'free" would definately have sorrow behind it. Hate creates pain,sorrow, grief/peace promotes love,unity, joy. "Who am i kidding, most prefer to kill the earth with the Harley Davidson in tow by the SUV" To All the soldiers my the Almighty be with you.
This young women speaks for all of us doesn't it????
I have so much respect for the men and women who risk their lives, in combat, every day. And it breaks my heart to see Ms. McHugh suffer the loss from a soldier's ultimate sacrifice.
If there was ever a photograph that didn't need a caption, this is it. This young woman's profound grief brought me to tears. Undoubtedly, she is only one of the hundreds of girlfriends/fiancées/wives that this war has left heartbroken.
Yes, This picture honors our Hero's. This picture shows us that our Hero's are Loved and not forgotten.
Ours is a corrupt immoral government that expects its youth to die fighting for rich and powerful special interest groups who care nothing for the pawns in their evil war games.
I wept.
I've lain on the grave of a husband. my heart goes out to this young woman for her inmeasurable greif.
This is perfect example of the loss that everyone of us will go through at least once in our lives. Death of a loved one is a pain that cuts to your very sole. It us up to each and everyone of us to lift up our fellow man when we do go through times like these. We cannot become complacent and callused towards one another. We have to be there for each other because if don't, then we become like the Barbarians in this Barbaric world we live in.
To best way to honor this man and all the others is to VOTE - every chance you get, in every election big and small, national state and local. Exercise ALL of your constitutional rights as often as possible. Contact your elected officials and regularly let them know where you stand on the issues. Rejoice in the fact that your children can go to school and that there are no car bombs exploding in your local shopping mall. There is no more meaningful way to honor and to justify the sacrifice of those brave men and women than to make sure that freedom and democracy remain strong in our lives every single day.
This photo reminds us that those who are left behind must go on, no matter the pain that they feel, no matter how much they would rather not go on. I think it is a beautiful photo.
It breaks my heart to see such pain in such a young women. So sad. God bless her and everyone who has to go through this. I am so sorry.
she is only one of thousands. look around, every head stone has another name, another story, another mom/dad family member mourning, for what? a name that will be remembered in our hearts but not to the heartless leaders of our so called free land. it sickens me!!!
This photo of heart ach moves me like no other I've seen in a long time. Please GOD guide us we're truely lost
First and foremost this picture embodies the lost of a loved one to a tee. The fact that it was a soldier makes it even more heart wrenching. I pray that all that have lost will rise above and find a way to "move on". To all those who blame Bush...shame on you. If we didn't go over there, what do you think would be happening here? You thought 9/11 was bad? You would have thought that was a walk in the park compared to what could of been. God Bless our U.S. soldiers so we can have the freedoms we have and its those freddoms that let you knock the President of your country. God Bless the USA!!!!!
Hero's are not those that die in war. Hero's are not those that fight for freedom. Hero's are those that fight back for what they believe in, even if it causes death. These poor soldiers died fighting in a war that they were sent to. It wasn't because of their free will. There is so much we can do here to fight that war. My heart goes out to this woman who lays on her husband's or sons grave...I feel her pain and everyone else that has lost a loved one in this war that keeps taking lives with no resolution. I'm sorry. Pray that God heals you, pray that God heals all of us...for the things that we do to each other are unbarable.
I see this and just hurt inside and I just ask why. He will never be forgotten
Ours is a corrupt immoral government that expects its youth to die fighting for rich and powerful special interest groups who care nothing for the pawns in their evil war games. YEAH, especially since they all volunteered in the military. Many of them keep going back because even if the media and a majority of the people don't believe, the soldiers still believe in their mission.
My heart is broken for this lady. Please reflect on your own mortality and understand that this life is brief. Before I was born again I truly feared death. Now that I am assured of my salvation I can state freely that I know where I will spend eternity. There is only one way to Heaven. You may not believe it but here is something to think about. If I am wrong nothing is lost. What if you are wrong ? ? ?
My heart breaks for this young woman. I sincerely hope that the photographer received her permission before violating her privacy. Otherwise, once again the media is showing something we have no business viewing.
What the photographer is telling me is that; FREEDOM is not free!
This is one of the most beautiful photos I've ever seen, and poignantly captures the true face of war. I believe it will take its place alongside other great and timeless war photos such as the flag-raising at Iwo Jima and the sailor and nurse impulsively kissing at the end of WWII. Also, I think it deserves a Pulitzer.
My heart goes out to the young lady. My fiance was not to far from being where her fiance is today and I know I would not have given it any taught about doing the same thing that she has done. I pray that she may turn to the Most High for guidance and strength and know that someday she will see him in Glory.
This could have been my mother in 1945 when all that came home was a telegram - her beloved husband buried in some far off corner in Belgium, In the following 40 plus years of life she never forgot and never stopped loving and in many ways the pain never really lessened. She taught me never to forget also - Binyon's words are engraved on my heart - we shall remember them. This photograph was entirely appropriate; war should be seen for what it is - brutal, dirty, horrifying and heartbreaking. One poster said we shouldn't glorify war - you are absolutely right, but we should support those in action, treat with utmost dignity and respect our veterans and honor our dead - they answered the call and gave everything in the name of freedom. We should respect that sacrifice and use that freedom in a manner worthy of what it cost; today, yesterday and tomorrow. May God grant peace to Mary and the thousands of others who grieve and mourn.
I think this is a beautiful photograph, not disrespectful at all. The photograph depicts a painful reminder that those who die for this country are not nameless faces. They are someone's father, mother, sister, brother, friend, or as in this case fiance. The loss of their lives for freedom is felt by those who knew them well...every day.
This broke my heart. Please take a moment to reflect on your own mortality. The only way to get into Heaven is through Jesus Christ and being born again. You may not agree with me but I leave you with this thought: If I am wrong, nothing is lost. What if you are wrong? When you stand before God, and everyone will, it is too late to change your mind. God bless this lady and everyone reading.
A hurtful but realistic truth. Please no politics give it, its respect. Wonderful, yet sad photo
I lost my Fiance' in 85 in Iraq and this picture just brings back memories of myself for many many years. I hope she heals but never forgets him. God bless her Lorre
My heart goes out to this young ladie and the Sargent's family.. my sympathy is with all our soldiers' family that have lost their loved ones. May God have mercy of this ridiculous war.
By looking this picture, my heart bleeds with the pain she is going through. My prayers to Mary and to those who lost their loved ones due to this meaningless war. I wished it didn't start and all those 3000+ lives lost were here enjoying their time with their loved ones. God bless the brave men and women and their families.
Being in the military myself I saw this picture and was almost brought to tears. Knowing the lose that this young wife has suffered is a horrible thing. No matter how much I may love this picture and admire it for the gaint emotions it provokes; it was still a very private moment in a young woman's life that has been shown to millions of people around the world. The picture shows so much emotion and this woman has every right to be able to be with her love on such a day as Memorial Day. If someone does not like it they have the freedom to say something about it...if they were smart they wouldn't do so since her husband died to give them the right to say it... SN Genzler, USN
she's hot
This photo speaks out one word, why?
How many more? So sad...
I was DEEPLY MOVED by this picture. It speaks of the unimaginable pain of such a loss. My heart truely goes out to Ms. McHugh. I am apposed to the war in Iraq but COMPLETELY behind our men and women in service, they do not, after all, choice to be there fighting this ill conceived war. May God help her in her healing, guide her along her path in life, and bring to her the gift of a new love in her life.
To "appropriately honor our war dead" there should be someone on each and every one of those graves, whether we knew them or not. We should all be mourning their lost lives, but at the same time, making certain they were not lost for nothing. Whether we agree with the war or not, are left or right, lib or cons, the men and women buried here and in others around the country felt our safety and liberty were important enough to fight for it. We need to remember this and do the same thing! Don't let their deaths be in vain.
I think that though this photo is very personal it drives home just how much war has hurt our country. And again should make us question what are we over there fighting for. I wish we had the guts to have a civil war and use the rights we are suppose to have as a "FREE" america. We are fighting harder for another country then we are fighting for our own. How crazy. Most of the country screams stop and the goverment continues on without regard. I feel like all we are is funders for the goverment we surely dont matter to them.
Breathless.
My tears are already dripping...It hurts and tighten my heart.. But he is in a better and safer place now.
What more can I say? We all feel the loss of any of our troops, and undoubtly others more deeply. As a nation we all suffer along with those loved ones left to carry on. I can only say bless them all and may God forgive our current leadership for their lack of true and deep caring for the United States and ALL it's citizens. As for the young lady in the picture, may you find peace and harmony again residing in your soul.
After looking at the photo I can feel her pain. This brings tears to the eyes and pain to the heart. Makes one think of how the families of all the fallen soldiers are feeling. This honors the sacrifices that our brave men and women in the Armed Forces are making for us. When a soldier dies in cobat he/she hasn't lost their life for their country, they have GIVEN their life for their country
My heart hurts. I wish I could solve all the worlds problems and their would be no more deaths. My heart and prayers go out to all.
Nothing can ever honor the loss of our soldiers for such a useless war. And every single American and illegal or legal alien living in this country is to blame for these deaths, not just G.W. Bush. For decades we, as Americans, have taken advantage of the rights we've been given by those soldiers who died in the Civil War, WWI, WWII, The Korean War, Vietnam War, The Persian Gulf War & finally the war we're in now which used to be called the War on Terror, but it can hardly be called such a thing now. For all the fallen soldiers in all the wars we've fought; bring these soldiers home before it's too late & we're made to shed our falling tears on their graves just as Mary McHugh is doing in this pitcure.
A life NOT lived, a baby NOT born, NO family or future NOT to have. These are the things that are lost to our soldiers. Makes you wonder if our president thinks his girls' lives are worth his 'oil' war or if the American public's children as disposable. His life meant something to her, as all life has exceptional value. Oil is not worth the the human sacrifice. . .
When I saw this moving photo my response was Ohhh my gosh..I have been in the same position but not at a military cemetery, ohhh her pain is so heavy and in a strange way it feels good to lay where they are if only for a few minutes or hours however long your body can let you lay there. Is that her parents over to the right? I hope so, I feel sure it is, surely she didnt have to go there alone. Oh sweet Mary please know you are loved and honored.
My heart goes out to this young woman.I can't even imagine what she and countless others are going through. I disagree with the eavesdropping, I think this is a beautiful photo that will be remembered.
Her Secret Garden is shared by pain and loss and watered with the tears of the world.
Mary, I am so sorry that you had to lay the ultimate sacrifice on the altar of freedom. Your fiance Jimmy was a brave man, more so than words can express. He graduated from Duke with attractive offers to be in business and chose to serve and defend his country. Always be proud of that! I was rooting for the Blue Devils yesterday to bring Jimmy some glory on Memorial Day. The world and the lacrosse community will miss him forever.
This is a truely heartwretching photograph. The military men and women who fight for our independance are my heroes. I grieve everyday for my husband who passed Feb.1 2006, I feel the pain of this woman. However, everything happens for a reason...hopefully we can all learn from this picture that history doesn't repeat itself..we repeat history.
Another senseless loss. Another Vietnam. How many more young people must we lose, or loved ones must we destroy? It is unbearable to view the gut-wrenching results of our governement's ongoing stupidity.
If this were my daughter I would be proud of the devotion she showed and devastated by her pain God speed Mary.
I thank god everytime I see things like this, that my fiance's life did not end this way on his two tours in Iraq.
As a 20-year veteran of the Armed Forces, I understand the pain of what this woman is feeling. I lost many friends that I new in the service, though those casualties occurred here in the U.S., rather than overseas. Military members understand that we may not be coming back when we are sent to areas like Iraq. This photograph illustrates the scope of the sacrifice that she and he made in service of his country. I have seen similar photographs of people who lost loved ones in Vietnam, Korea, WWII, WWI, etc. We initially enter the military to take advantage of the college benefits, medical, dental, etc. that civilian life does not offer -- but at what cost? This country has been at war every 10 years. We pride ourselves on "kicking butt" for the last 200 years -- but at what cost? Perhaps it is an image such as this that we need, to remind ourselves of the cost of freedom. Do we stand by and watch to deter images like this? Or do we continue our policy of ensuring democracy is offered to every person in the world? Our democracy? Or theirs? What is right? At what cost?
Powerful picture. Leo is right: there are no acceptable losses. I will hold my hubby extra tight tonight, just for that young lady.
The picture of Mary McHugh makes heart weep and my blood boil. My heart for her loss, which she must carry every waken moment, the emptiness that remains, her dreams that were taken. My blood for the lack dignity and respect from our Commandeering Chief and all those who are responsible, who find the time to laugh and joke as if all is well, and life is just peachy.Shame on you.
This picture says so many things. This woman will never grow old or have children with this man that she obviously loved so much. As an American, I thank her fallen hero for giving his life so that we may still enjoy the freedoms we have today. This doesn't make it easier to her, nothing will. My heart goes out to her, and the families of one of our bravest....
As I glanced upon this picture of this heartbroken woman, I thought how easily it could be any one of us. She had plans, a life after the military, love in her heart and in one moment it was taken away and there she lays, not sure where to go next. I cried for someone I do not know and wished her peace from this terrible tragedy in her life. Let us hope that no more young lives need to be taken for reasons someone else should bare. God Bless you Ms McHugh and your family
Losing a loved one is something that is never able to be fully put into words. The only thing personal about grief is that "you" don't really know how "I" feel. We don't really know what she feels, but our hearts ache for her and all those who lost their lives to war. Thank you Mary for sharing your loss with us so that others may learn from this tragedy.
The only problem I see with this picture.. is the fact that it was taken... Unless Mary asked for someone to be there, but if it was done by some random person, I think that is wrong.
The weight of the emotional impact is nearly unbearable. We honor sports/players, illegal aliens, anorexic models, rich brats (yes, Paris, that means you), hollywood-be's, gang bangers,politicians(one in the same) and the list plays on...... more than we ever give our hearts, minds and money to those who give it all so we can live as thankless pigs. Bless this mourning lady and know that she will never get over this. I think I'll go play in some 'road rage' at somebody on their cell phone driving unsensibly.
I feel your pain. We will never win in Iraq. This president makes me sick. Save the troops for something other than this meaningless slaughter.
Can't stop the tears if I try...it's a time when everyone will now know someone who's gone to serve our country. Everyone will be affected by it.
It speaks directly to the heart in the language we all understand, loss, grief, love. It speaks to my mind, rememberance, for the ultimate sacrifice so many have given in service of this country. I pray that some day she, and all the other loved ones of our fallen servicemen, and women, find love and peace once again in their lives.
As a mother whose has lost an only son in this war, my heart breaks again at the sight of this picture. I pray for ALL of the families who are grieving for the loss of their loved ones. Our lives are forever changed. May God continue to bless us all with His healing hands.
Is it worth it? Are these young men really dying for a good cause? Isn't it true that all the reasons we were told for this war turned out to be lies. Not one reason for this war was actually true. This poor girl will now spend the rest of her life in the arms of another man because James Regan was foolish enough to believe this government and go and die for nothing. This war in Iraq does absolutely nothing for America or Americans except waste the lives of young men who don't know any better. It's so ridiculous that so many Americans can't face the truth about this war. It is one big lie!
Other than the fact that I would love to see it in black and white, I think the composition is great. I do believe the lighting would be more evident in black and white as well. I do not feel it is disrespectful in any way at all.
As a mother of a US Marine that is about to deploy to Iraq, this touches my heart more than words can say. Thank you Sgt. Regan, for the ultimate sacrifice for your country. Thank you Ms. McHugh for loving him. God Bless all those serving on foreign soil and the families and friends waiting for them.
Close to 4,000 soldiers, marines, airmen and sailors dead. Thousands more maimed. Multiply that by the two parents, siblings, offspring, relatives, friends, fellow soldiers and you can imagine the number of people affected by the death and wounding of each and every soldier, marine, airman and sailor. For what? The pain inflicted on all the above by the loss of one soldier has scarred this country. And all based on lies! That is the legacy of this administration,AND BIN LADEN IS STILL FREE!
My grandparents are buried in Arlington, and my father is in Calverton National Cemetery out on Long Island. My husband is a 90% service-connected disabled vet. My son just enlisted in the Navy, and his best friend is a Marine currently deployed in Iraq. My heart goes out to this woman and all who in any way know her sorrow! There but for the grace of God go us all...
She loved him and still does. I feel her emotions from this photo. All who look upon this scene will feel the pain of war. May Gods' blessings be upon all veterans in heaven, on earth and their loved ones. Thank you
Jersey Joe: Could you be any more thoughtless? This poor woman is obviously in pain..give her the respect she deserves!
To often we look at a gravesite and not realize how deep the hurt and pain is for those acquainted with the the one who is gone. This picture openly exhibits the emotions, the pain, the feeling loss of one who has lost a loved one. We as onlookers have no way of knowing the depth of love or lose that has engulfed this young lady. I would proudly stand beside her... no I should say... take my place beside her and mourn her loss. It doesn't matter if you are for the war or against. It only matters that we as fellow citizens help in bearing the burden of those who serve, of those families who must be without their loved ones for a period of time, and of those who have lost so much that they are willing to embrace the earth to be able to be close to their lost love.
I go to bed every night with comfort and appreciation for those who protect and fight for freedom. I wake up saying a prayer for the girl in the picture and all who suffer the way she does.
I am looking at this pic and I see her soul in the ground with him. This man is truely loved in life and in death. She will love again but not how she loved this man. My HEART goes out to her, I feel her pain.
Such intimacy and breathless sadness - you almost feel the need to look away and give privacy to their quiet conversation - secrets shared, lost dreams and longing of touch and smile. Such youth - bare shoulders and crossed bare feet, sun dress and jean jacket, small purse and water bottle. The brown grass, the hard ground, the cool head stone - she lays casually and yet her bodies language still connects to that love which is just a few feet beneath her. Such loss – such grief - so many. My God - the world in which we live.
Insurmountable loss. Immeasurable pain.
So very sad and very senseless... We lose so many to defend a country that does not care and is unwilling to help themselves. Why must we be the ones to sacrifice our beloved Husbands, Wives, Fathers, Mothers, Sons and Daughters, etc....
She removed her sandals; For to her, it was hallowed ground. Her tears dampend the dust a-top; But, his could not be found. Though only a few feet apart, she laid as close as the grave allowed; Longing for a closeness that death disavowed. Yet, she will always remove her sandals, for to her this grave is hallowed ground.
Touching and compelling. Let us not dwell on whether to take the photo was right or wrong but how wrong to have to experience this over such senseless embattlement. Thats not just Mary but thousands of other mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, fathers, brothers, and sons, and friends that Mary is representing. It is fortunate that she can be there to represent for those of us that cant GOD BLESS the Marys of the world!
Do you think this picture appropriately honors our war dead? Or does it say something else? Do you ask? If this picture "appopriately" "honors" our "war dead". Or does it say "something" else?. We can write many questions thinking that it would easily depict and resolve your question. But nothing could "appropriately" describe and honor this sad fellings. My respect and condolences for her.
I hope this picture is featured in George W's Presidential Library! It's very sad that she lost her friend it's even sadder when you think it was unnecessary!
the photo breaks my heart. gives me a lump in my throat, i could cry.
This picture NEEDS to be sent to the president!
I would like to remind America that our Military are Heros. They are willing participants. There is no draft in place. The oath they take says it all. (I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.) Mary, never let anyone convince you otherwise, as he was and is a Hero to you, he is and forever will be a Hero to our Nation.
This photo caused me to remember, Remember my comrades, who did not return home, Remember the guilt of our returning without them, Remember the mournful faces of wives, mothers, daughters, and fiancés Remember the anger felt towards those here who continue to speak against us, Remember my willingness to take my place under a stone to protect that right to speak. Mostly, I remember that our heroes are here at home, ever hopeful for our safe return. God bless Mary McHugh, the family Sgt. James Regan, and others who still sacrifice here at home long after our battles are over. I will not forget you nor will my family. Thank you,
I just want to hug her, wipe away her tears, and tell her time heals all wounds... but that really isn't true. He died for our freedom, and that is what has to be the acceptable reasoning, because it was not his time to go. I hope she seeks solice from God, because that is the only thing that will get her through this.
Every SOLDIER that falls is a HERO! A SOLDIER falls for unknown people and nameless faces and that is something that takes a very special person to give his or her life to. SOLDIERS have given us the blanket of freedom we huddle safely under everyday and this blanket is woven in blood and tears. War is a terrible thing but without it there would be no blogging, or protesting, or freedom of speech, or a right to the pursuit of happiness in one's own personal way. A SOLDIER understands this reasoning and for this has given his or her life to serve those and to possibly fall for those he or she know not. A SOLDIER is a blessing from GOD to the FREE and the oppressed. I honor them all from my Great Uncle, my grandfather, my Father and to my Brother who serves now. They bring hope to those who want the freedom we have in America, and I honor our Country for not begrudging anyone the opportunity to be free and willing to help with the process of freedom. I feel as Americans we should all be proud to be born in freedom. We should thank GOD, (or whatever you have the right to worship as an American) everyday for this blessing and be aware that the true measure of a GREAT country is not by the number of people wanting out, but by the number of people wanting IN.
She knew what she was getting into by getting engaged to a military man. Like police officers, they can die in the line of duty at any moment. She put herself in the position of hurt, knowing that this could happen so I don't feel sorry for her. He's gone - get up on your feet and move on.
Respect is a distant emotion..... this is not depicting respect, it's depicting much more; sorrow, loss, insecurity,pain, fear...........love.
It may be interest to some to know the story behind the brave soldier she is visiting. Played Lacrosse at Duke. DURHAM, N.C. - Army Sgt. James John Regan, a Duke lacrosse letterman from 1999-02, was killed Friday, Feb. 9, 2007, in northern Iraq of wounds suffered when his vehicle was struck by an explosive. Regan was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment stationed in Fort Benning, Ga. He was 26. Born June 27, 1980, in Rockville Centre, N.Y., and a native of Manhasset, N.Y., Regan graduated from Chaminade High School in Mineola, N.Y. Known as Jimmy at Duke, Regan finished his career with the Blue Devils with 22 goals and four assists, helping the program to a four-year record of 43-21 with two ACC championships (2001 & 2002) and four NCAA Tournament appearances. An Academic All-ACC selection, Regan was named to the 2002 ACC All-Tournament Team after scoring a career-high four goals and adding one assist as Duke defeated then top-ranked Virginia, 14-13, in the championship game. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in economics from Duke, Regan turned down a job offer from UBS, a financial services company, and a scholarship to Southern Methodist University's law school to enlist in the Army, where he passed on Officer Candidate School to focus on becoming a Ranger. "He said, 'If I don't do it, then who will do it?'" Regan's fiancée, Mary McHugh, told Newsday. "He recognized it as an option and he couldn't not do it." Regan enlisted in February 2004 and spent three years in the Army, earning a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and several medals marking his service in Iraq and Afghanistan. Regan's stint in the Army was to end in February 2008, and he and McHugh planned to marry the next month. McHugh is a medical student at Emory University. They were to move to the Chicago area, where her family lives, and he was going to become a social studies teacher and coach lacrosse. In addition to his parents James and Mary Regan, Jimmy Regan is survived by three sisters, Maribeth, 25, Colleen, 20, and Michaela, 16. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. The family has established a scholarship fund in his name. Donations should be sent to the Jim Regan Scholarship, c/o Chaminade Development Office, 340 Jackson Ave., Mineola, N.Y. 11501. Regan is the second Duke student-athlete to die in Iraq. Marine Lt. Matthew Lynch, a native of Jericho, N.Y., who swam and played baseball at Duke, passed away on October 30, 2004.
My brother is buried in "Section 60" from the Gulf War and I remember doing the same thing. In the last letter I received from him, days after his death he couldn't wait to come home. He died on the last day of the Gulf War. NEVER FORGOT OUR HEROES FROM ANY WAR!
May Mary find the peace to "move on" and know that James will be with her in spirit and watch over her. They will one day be together again. Although I may not always agree with the policies of our government, I am STILL proud to say I am an American and served my country, giving all Americans the chance to speak freely. I am now retired from the USAF, but should I be required to do it all over again, I would proudly do it again!
This Picture is one that will stay with me for a long time. To those of you who think that images like this will stop war , you are nuts. Instead of berating our Soldiers, Sailer's, Marines, Air Force for joining the military and being part of something they believe in why don't you support them and stand behind them. You don't have to like our President or his polices, but you damn well better believe that if it wasn't for the men and women that join the Military ( voluntarily)there wouldn't be the freedom you have.
I know the pain this woman is suffering and my heart and prayers are with her. What greater "HONOR" can you give some one than to show how much you love them and stand behind them on the unselfishness that they give of themselves to our Country. God Bless each and every man and woman that have given their lives for us and God Bless and watch over each man and woman that have been engered and that continue to protect me and you and our "WONDERFUL NATION"!
This picture says it all. We do not need to discuss if it is right or wrong. just look at the picture and remember it.
How many more people have to suffer loss before they bring our guys home?? My heart goes out to her because I know hers is breaking. I have lost a loved one thanks to war, though not dead, because he lost his past memories and I am nothing to him now. He is alive and the loss hurts beyond words, so I can't even imagine what goes through the woman's mind on the grave.
When I saw this photo I was stunned. This shows a young woman who has lost someone so dear to her that the only comfort she can receive is to lie down as close to him as she can get. I felt her lonliness and sadness as I stared at the photo. I can only hope that she visits him in her dreams.This is one of the most powerful pictures I have seen in a long time. Does it dishonor those who have fought in the war? Absolutely not. It is an acknowledgement of the separation caused by war and by death, but there is no seperation of love.
Thank you, Sgt. James Ragan, for willingly joining the armed forces and giving of yourself in a way that many either cannot or will not. No life given in willing service to the liberty I experience every day is a waste. Every person who serves in our armed forces does so with the knowledge of the risk they take. Mary would be offended by those who name his death useless or a waste. She knew the risks her beloved took as do all the spouses and beloveds of those in the service. Dana, your poem was beautiful. Thank you.
Very touching, really shows that this war affects people, and their families. And the price we pay not just for freedom within our borders, but as we become a global society. God bless the men and women from our country and others fighting for these rights and priveleges.
Every day, more soldiers get killed. Everyday we mourn thier deaths without knowing them, and we feel on millionth of the pain their families experience. We mourn their missed opportunities to watch their children grow, their wives or husbands grow older... We fight this senseless war with words, but we are helpless to change the course...to bring back our loved ones home safely... We pray for peace, and we are accused of betraying these troops we love... All the peaceful voices here, go to the Cindy Sheehan article today, and see what the idiotic, pro-war mongers are writing...Unless you are in Iraq, you do not have the right to sanction this war as you are not experiencing the horrific acts that the people of Iraq and the soldiers are experiencing.
This picture speaks volumes. My heart breaks for this young woman and the family of her lost love. I just pray that maybe the sacrifice this young man made will mean that my sons will never have to go to war.
While I was emphatically drawn to the photo, I feel as though I was intruding on a very private moment. A moment that only those in her shoes can truly understand. I believe in why we are fighting this war, but the loss is unmeasurable. I pray for comfort, to this young woman, her family, and this soldiers family. Comfort that can only be found from within. Regardless of the many critics, there are those who TRULY appreciate the sacrifice and work being done by our troops!
I never wanted to re-live those moments again, the past of almost two score years. The lie of that war was to stop the domino effect of communism when we all knew that it was the rubber for Detroit and the wealth from opium. Now our precious children face a life of agony for revenge and oil when our troops are needed here to stop the infiltration of our real enemies. When will "We the People" join together to rid our country of the bloody profiteers? It is for US to change our corrupt government. Both parties are lying deceivers. I grieve for this precious young woman and pray that the Comforter will give her peace so that her life might not be wasted on grief. Deliver US Lord from evil men, the powers, and principalities that oppress our nation.
When I first saw this picture, I felt so many emotions. The photographer captured a moment of grief that jumps through the lens. The picture does honor our war dead appropriately because this shows the cost of war in a different way and the pain that goes with it. May God bless and give peace to all families that have lost loved ones.
Truly heartbreaking this image is. I am sitting here at work on a break looking at the news and trying my hardest not to get all teary-eyed.
As a retired sailor I can only wish that every one would understand this young ladies pain. Both in life and in death our military give everything and leave behind everyone. What hurts the most however, is the people that use moment like this to make a political statements. Perhaps you should question that instead of how appropriate this young ladies actions may or may not be.
As a Retired Service Member this hurts more than you can ever realize. My blessings go out to this young woman and I can only ask the Good Lord to give her comfort in her grief. I can only thank and Salute all those who have given their lives so that she can mourn freely and without shame.
This is the most touching picture I have ever seen. You can almost envision them lying together in a field. What a loss and what a loving young woman
This picture can be interpreted many ways. I agree with those that say we are invading the privacy of this woman in her time of mourning. Unfortunately we are a society of opportunity and everyone will try to profit from someone else's misery. But, regardless, this picture tells a story of pure sorrow that, as a wife of a soldier who served in Iraq and as a mother of a six year old son that could possibly serve somewhere similar in his lifetime, I could not fathom having to endure. My heart cries out to this woman and I pray that God is with her and eases her pain.
Mary, may the Peace of God be with you until you are with your dear James again. Mr. Bush you have this courageous man's blood on your hands along with every other fallen solier's from this war! Stop Pl
