Heart wrenching and depicts what words cannot adequately express.

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.

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.

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...

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.  

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...

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 Please.

I have such a hard time looking at these pictures. My boyfriend is in Afganastan and this is my worst fear. The tears I cry now are so painful I couldn't imagine it being any worse but i look at her and I realize it can.

Very,Very sad, the grief and loss are so obvious. My son avoided as many relationships as he could before he left and during his deployment. During his leave he slept on the sofa because he did not want to get too comfortable (his buddies were still there in country and he felt bad being home in nice conditions). His year is up, he is home safe and a whole different person. Anybody who says war does not change a person has never been there.

There are few words to adequately describe the pain of this pic.  May Cindy Sheehan's words "he(her son) died for nothing" stick in her throat.

I cannot imagine the pain she is going through and I wish her and his family peace that only God can bring. I want to thank him for his service to this country that would not be here if it weren't for men and women like him who gave their all for us.

I can't tear myself away from this picture.  It is devastating in its beauty and agonizing pain.  The emotions there are so bare and raw; it just claws at my heart.  I grieve for this young woman's lost love and future plans, as for so many others'.

Heartbreaking photo and I pray for those who have suffered a loss. And hope and pray I'll never have to experience their pain. CW shes grieving her loss. Theres nothing embarrassing about that. Just makes you sad for the person.

This is  beautiful and heartbreaking. Mary is honoring this wonderful soldier in a very emotional and personal way and appropriate way. This picture reminds me how lucky I am that my dad made it home after serving 5 tours of duty during the Vietnam War. I wish all of our men and women could! When my dad's life ends and I visit his grave I will also sit with him, talk with him, and tell him how he's my hero. My heart is with you Mary and with every military family!

This photo is the most moving I have seen in years.  My "special friend" has been to Iraq and will probably be deployed again.  If something should happen to him, I can guarantee, I would be that close to him.  When you love someone and they are taken away, you cannot move on.  The love for my "special friend" runs deep.  My heart just breaks for Mary.

i hear comments from people everyday  about how we are glorifing the war by using words like heros and such however i think this young woman would agree supporting our troops doesnt mean supporting the war and to turn things around this war was gonna happen weather it happened on their ground or ours and i have friends and family who are either still over there or have been i have one friend who is getting ready to make his 3rd trip over so i do understnd what family and friends go through im not one of those empty voices who has not been directly effected by soliders leaving i thank god everyday that i HAVE NOT been directly effected by the deaths going on over there and i thank god that my friends and family are over keeping us safe and thank you to all of our men and women who are risking their lives for us to be free and for us to not have to have this war on our land although alot of miltary men and women want to go to fight for our freedom they are not the one who started this war so why should anyone who isnt brave enough make unsupportive comments basically saying theses men and women arent brave and arent heros for those people who feel that way what would they do if these men and women werent brave enough to leave there families and friend and risk their lives and they had to draft people? my guess would be that these people are the same people who would high-tail it to the border the minute they found out their number was called well why dont they leave now! because if these men and women dont go by choice they are not gonna get the freedom to chose so as you kiss your kids good night tonight why not try thinking what it would be like to not be able to do that my cousin wasnt even here for the birth of his daughter because he was over there protecting us and this country by choice how dare any one say he is not brave or is not a hero!!!!!!! I'm sure this woman understands that

If a picture's worth a thousand words, some photgraphs are worth a thousand feelings. Her pain is truly ours, her tears are shared by many and her loss touches an entire nation. It is truly our very best and brightest that we send into harms way and they are the ones that are asked to secure and protect our future. May their sacrifice and that of their families always be remembered.

How beautiful the poem written by danatucsonaz and how appropriate the comments from Claudine "people think that the Aztecs were cruel to offer their offspring to their gods, ironically this country does the same to their citizens sacrificing them to the god of war." The Bible says, it never even came up into God's heart to make the children pass through the fire...Being sacrificed to idols! We all pray for the day the Lord's Prayer describes...when His kingdom comes, His will shall be done ON EARTH just like it is in heaven...

The photo rips your heart out. Now multiply it by the number of senseless deaths on both sides including the innocent women and children who have been killed.

This picture "appropriately honors our war dead." God bless you forever, Mary.

Maybe if our President could see more pictures like this one, ones showing the hurt this war has caused, he might be less bullheaded and think about establishing a withdrawl date.  We should have learned from Viet Nam.  It is hard to fight a war where the enemy is not easlily recognized.  My prayers are with each Soldier there.  May God bless them and bring each one of them home alive and well!

"Sadness is but a wall between two gardens."   Kahlil Gibran

I hope she can find peace. This photo broke my heart.

This picture must win the Pulitzer Prize.
This picture should be sent to every congressperson by every person who has a computer. Flood them with it. The picture should be posted on every web-site; put it on myspace; facebook; Put it where the young of American can see what George Bush is doing to them. I drive by Plot 60 everyday and see the funerals in progress 24 every day; 5 days a week; rain, sleet, snow, sun; it doesn't matter; the bodies keep coming; and the young ladies keep weeping. Like a weeping willow your branches fall; the wind through your boughs gently rustle; listen to the wind and may it calm your soul.

I was stunned by the picture-I did feel a little guilty for intruding on the life of this woman, yet I felt a sisterhood and longing to comfort her-and indirectly all that have been affected by the difficulty of this life.

We need to bring our children, our husbands, our brothers, our boy friends, friends, uncles, grandchildren, our wives, our sisters, our nieces and all the combatants.  We cannot allow so many to grieve as this woman is, She is us.

There is no greater pain than losing someone you love...no greater pain.  My body was covered in goosebumps as my eyes fell on this picture.  I mourn for her loss and the loss of so many lovers, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, friends who have to carry the pain with them forever because one close to them was so brave to lay down their life for their family, their countrymen and the humanistic right to freedom.  

This picture is heartbreaking. I grieve with her for her loss. As a former Army medic, I feel that if I'd been there, I might have been able to change the outcome. Reading some of the posts on here, I see what Sgt. Regan died for. Freedom. Of speech, belief, ect... Although I disagree with some, his death was not invain. Nor the countless others before and after him. One submitter said we need to bring our troops home now. If we did, the 3700 plus soldiers that have died there, would have died for what? So when the going gets tough we cut and run? If he knew he was going to die, and we were going to give up and run home with our tails between our legs shortly afterwards, do you think he would have volunteered? No. He as most of our troops believe in what we're doing. Grieve, remember, and celibrate thier lives. Without them we would still be a colony.

The only thing harder than being a soldier is loving one.

This picture caught my attention from MSNBC's website.  It is very powerful.  I can't imagine how this woman's life has been changed.  

My heart cries for this young lady.  Not only is the soldier her fianace, but a son too, as a mother, grief is beyond compare, as a former female soldier, I am happy to be out of the Army before my life was cut short.  

My heart hurts looking at this photo. I can't imagine such grief.I pray that she will find peace.

From one young widow to a young woman who has lost a big part of herself. God Only picks the prettiest floweres to take home first to prepare our kingdom for us. May God watch over you and help you to heal. To the soldiers who have given there all we love you and Thank you for your outstanding work. Love and appreciation always.

When someone dies, those left to bear the pain suffer the most...-God help her heal.

How much pain and anguish can a picture possibly show? I think this answers that question. To all our troops, home and abroad, thank you for what you do and have done. To those who gave all, there are not words to express my heartfelt gratitude.

My heart is broken.  Thank you to all who serve and defend.  No greater love.....

I think nothing of war, soldiers, freedom, America, our pitiful president, honor, 'hero', God.  

NONE of that applies.

What I think of is the loss of one's heart.  The THOUSANDS of people in this world that lose a piece of their heart every single day.

I often wonder how some can hold their emotions in - the loss of a life, any life, is heart-wrenching.

send this picture to president bush...  oh i forgot his kids r protected by the secret service (our tax dollers).these poor men and woman died for there jobs to support there  families, that we all take for granted.

I was very moved by the photo.  I said "see ya later" to my husband twice.  I was one of the lucky ones to have my husband come home.  One of his fellow marines did not make.  It affects the whole unit as much as it does the wives and fiances of the others who went with them.  

I would have been proud to witness such a moving scene.  It was a private moment, not embarrassing at all.  Those who think the photo was wrong in anyway, must have never sent a loved one into a war zone before, Otherwise you would know what the family goes through when it does have to happen.  They chose their jobs, ultimately many have given their lives for you to be able to blog that your embarrassed to look at photos like this, or that it was in appropriate.  For all you know, that was the day that they were to be married.

We should all honor all fallen soldiers.  And soldiers that we send in harms way everyday.  And give honor to the spouses and children who send their husbands and fathers away on long dangerous journeys every day.  

BE PROUD, BE AMERICAN, Do not judge other Americans for the hurt that this war has caused.  It may be our president who is sending our men and women over there, but they have chosen  to protect our freedoms.......ENJOY WHAT YOU HAVE, SOME DAY THEY MIGHT BE GONE!!!!!!!!!

my mother lost my father when i was 8 months old. she's gone now and i have children. i can see how it was for mother in this sad picture....it tears my heart to know what this young woman faces....i wish her all the strength in the world

Brought to you by our "leaders" who claim to be "pro-life".

God bless you, Mary.

Troops die in Iraq and Afghanistan everyday. Familys morn. This young lady shows us what true love is. I feel for her and her loss. Politics cause wars. Our troops have to go finish what they(Bush and Friends) started. Politics kills. SUPPORT OUR TROOPS AND COME HOME SOON. LOVE YOU ALL

As for now morn with those that morn and grieve with those that grieve. For only time will heal your heart.

What about the graves that there are no visitors at, on Memorial Day?  What does that say about our society??

This picture illustrates to me why War Protests should not be allow in the scared hollow grounds of Arlington. It is a place to honor and pay yours respects to the memories of those who have died. If someone was protesting in my grandparents cemetary in a small village in Upstate NY, I would say the same thing and just as load.

This is place for families to come and feel close to someone who dearly missed, and loved still.

My Prayers go out those who have lost any loved one especially the fiance, Mom & Dad. May they find Peace in the Lord.

I believe this picture says it all, we are sick of all the killing around the world and it is time to pull out of Iraq and let the two factions kill temseves, not us.

Larry

It breaks my heart to see this young lady in so much pain and trying to find comfort. My prayers go out to both family's. May you find peace and comfort.

A very powerful image. Should receive consideration for the Pulitzer.

This picture is gut-wrenching and very moving and I empathize with the pain she is in, but I think this is an extreme invasion of privacy!!!!!  We do not know if the photographer had her permission to take this photo or not, but I'm betting he/she did not.  My mother died not that long ago and if someone had come along and taken a picture of me in my moment of grief and splashed it all over the news, I would have ripped that photographer and whoever published it up one side and down another and then hired a lawyer and sued them for every dime they had or ever hoped to have.  (Don't someone write and say that this woman's situation is different because it concerned a fallen soldier, because it is not!  Grief is grief!!!!)  Why does the majority of the American public think everything should be splashed all over the media for everyone to see?  When did we become a nation of voyeurism (prying observers)?  What ever has happened to respect and common decency in this country?

I came across this photo on my e-mail site. How heart-breaking.I was reading some of the other comments about this young woman. One said"she was embarassing,and out of her mind" How sad for the person that said this. You have no heart or feelings. I thank all of our Veterans and their families for giving their all for God and country. Remember, if it weren't for our Veterans, we wouldn't have what we have today. God bless all of our Veterans and their families.

Dear Editor,

I felt the comment by Joe Jersey was very inappropriate to allow in this blog.  This was a sexual statement that was made when a girl was grieving.  Can you please remove his comment.  The comment is "She's hot" by JoeJersey on May 29, 2007.  Thanks!
LS

It's a very moving photo. One that is hard for a military family to see, as it reminds us that our loved ones could be next. May she be comforted in her grief.

I agree that this is a personal moment, one in which should have been left alone.  But on the other hand, this soldier did not die in vain on so many levels.  Watching the war now since the day I was standing in my 4th grade classroom teaching and having our yearbook editor jerk my door open and tell me that the World Trade Center had been hit, one has a tendency to become jaded at the images that are displayed.  Do not get me wrong, I have loved ones serving in Iraq currently and pray for those serving our country everyday, but the images and the headlines just get read and viewed.  This makes it real.  You see the other side of the headlines, you feel the other side of the image.  God bless all of our heros, those serving and those they leave behind.

every generation has to deal with war and loss its been going on from  the beginning of man, but  it does not make it any easier. the bible say God holds us in his hand everyone of us ,i pray for healing for this family and all of his loved ones

The price of war that we must pay is unimaginable.  She is not alone in her sorrow as there are many more....

your instructions for filling out the info section suck

This photograph speaks volumes....Anyone who has lost an individual of meaning and purpose will use any method to converse. My heart gos out to her!

Serenity

ALl of the soldiers that have gone off to war all went because THEY signed up in a military that is VOLUNTARY. On their own free will. Does anyone like to go to war, heck no. But it is voluntary according to the CONTRACT THEY signed. PERIOD.

This picture is so heartwrenching and touching that it left me speechless.

This picture is truly heartbreaking. I nearly cried when I saw this, but I felt some anger too. I am angry that some photographer invaded this lady's privacy like this. It's almost like the media is exploiting her grief for this piece. Somehow that just doesn't seem right.

As the sailor kissing a girl on the street symbolized and memorialized the end of WWII, this picture should become the symbol for all those lost in war.
This picture paints a vivid picture of grief. This same picture could be used to symbolize those lost in 9-11, or even personal losses.
Grief knows no boundries.

Absolutely heartbreaking. Lost innocence.

Tragic, heartwrenching, a loss of innocence. I think displaying the photo is not only ok, she gave her name to the photographer,so she obviously permitted it, I think it is powerful beyond words!

A most beautiful picture - nothing captures the sorrow of loss so powerfully yet so eloquently.

She looks like my wife...literally.

This pic makes me sad, and glad I wasn't able to join.  I wanted to serve; I didn't want this.  I don't know about anything anymore.  In a way, I love Ms. McHugh like I love my wife...I can't explain this.

How absolutely heart-wrenching!  What pointless death!

Stunning, heartwrenching picture.

My heart breaks for this young lady and her fiancee.

my heart pours out to this woman and all who have lost family and friends during this second "vietnam".  Bring our troops home Bush.  I guess is isn't the same when it isn't Your sons blood being spilled...

I think this pays tribute to our Armed Forces AND their families.  I assume the young woman signed a photo release, otherwise I would say it is intrusive.

I, too got to see my son SSgt. Jesse L. "Keawe" Williams on Sunday for the first time since his service. He died on Easter Sunday 07'.

This picture took me back.
I know how she feels.
I am grateful for our Servicemen and women. They are ALL heroes.
I thank all of them and their familys for  their sacrifice.

All my Aloha~
Hawaiian Stryker Mom

WOW!!! What emotion in this young lady! My heart goes out to her and the young soldier that sacrificed all. May God bless you both.

This is one of the most powerful and moving pictures that I have ever seen. Reading back through the posted responses, it is easy to see that is the general feeling.

I think that what needs to be disscussed is the very stupid question that Rich Shulman asked, "Does this picture appropriately honor our war dead?" What a stupid question that is. What is appropriately honoring our war dead mean anyway? Well, Rich.....tell us all what that means and how to go about it "properly", so that god forbid, if we happen to lose one of the soldiers near and dear to us, that we may be able to honor them to an "appropriate" standard, as you have suggested.

As it has been stated several times over, this woman just lost the love of her life, the one that she cared for, the one that she planned to live out her earthly existence with. However she wants to grieve and feel and act, is none of our concern. She should be free to express herself as she sees fit. Everybody deals with death differently. Some stay quiet and hide, some scream and act unrully, some just lay at the grave and weep. Is there an acceptable way that we should all expect her to act? Would it be better if she was to launch an anti war campaign and request to be on the national news? Would it be better for her to not visit the grave and hole up in her residence?

I'm 36 and back in 2003, I lost my best friend from my high school days in this war just south of bagdad. I visit his grave often and it still brings me to tears. My buddy left his wife and children behind as he gave up his life to follow his orders and make a stand for all that America represents. If I ever stop to visit his gravesite and find his wife laying beside it, I wouldn't hesitate to lay right down beside her. And yes....I think that is appropriate

What this says to me is that you parasites in the media can't leave anybody alone.  Is nothing to be kept private and personal?

i am muslim...it hurts too much the way she is in grief...its look like she can do anything to bring him back...i am sorry for her for myself and for all humans...you people are doing a good thing in iraq but in a wrong manner.
may GOD give us all right directions to solve the problems.

This photo shows what everyone feels when a loved one dies.  At least thats what I'd like to do at my sisters grave side.  I think its an a very appropriate moment.  Thank her for sharing whether she wanted to or not.........

During World War II, there were almost 400,000 soldiers killed.  There were thousands who grieved for the lost of their loved ones.  I am very sorry for this young lady's lost, but (and this is little recompence) the cost of freedom is not cheap.  Her fiancee is a real hero and he will be joining many other heroes who have died so that we can have the right to grieve.

I see a man who loved his God and his country...so much so that he was willing to lay down his life for the sake of others.  

I also see an amazing woman, one who chose to love a man who was one of a very special breed of men...a Special Forces soldier...a man who volunteered to liberate the oppressed of the world--irrespective of the cost--so that the world might be a better place.

I know first hand what it is like to board a plane headed into harm's way, fully willing to give all if necessary.  I also know what it is like to lose someone that you had loved more than life itself.  Being able to empathize fully with each of them, I am very, very proud of these two.  Only God truly knows just how many lives have been saved as a result of their sacrifices...

I salute Sgt. Regan and his fiance, Ms. McHugh, for their valor and for the mighty love that they must have shared.  I pray that Ms. McHugh is comforted knowing that the love of her life is now in a better place, having joined his Savior in heaven, and I pray that Ms. McHugh's personal relationship with her Savior will also be strengthened.  

Be strong Ms. McHugh, and of good courage.  There is no greater love, than someone who is willing to lay down their life for their comrades.  

May God bless you exceedingly abundantly Ms. McHugh, and may he comfort you in the face of this loss.

Can't get more powerful, heartbreaking, and painful than this.

This picture says everything.  It tells us of the anger, grief and helplessness we feel when someone dies by another's hand, even in war.  To those who have served our country and continuing to do so I thank you for honoring our country.  I am conflicted about this war, but you all have my unending support no matter what.  To the young woman in the picture...God has brought him back home.   You will one day find peace again.  I'm sorry for your loss.  

I feel very sorry for her loss.  She will never have any children by him.  He is gone.  She does not deserve this.  When will we stand up and say no more to this administration?  Is it going to take the loss of a hundred soldiers in one day before we say enough is enough?

Speachless, took my breath away

yea it sucks, but everyone deals with it. whats done is done, move on.

Many of the pictures that touch our deepest core are shot on the spur of the moment, never meant as an intrusion or violation, simply there and recognized in a heartbeat for the message they send. The grief and pain are evident,and it helps us all remember the cost of war, the feeling of loss. There are not words to speak what that picture says all by itself. My wish is for the pain Mary feels to grow less while the memory of her love is never lost as she moves on through life. Pulitzer material.

This picture reinforces the pointless loss of life this war has brought the people of the US and UK. There was no point to this war, and carrying it on is a fool's errand.

As a wife of soldier who has been to Iraq and is currently on another deployment while we are expecting our first child, my heart truly goes out to this young woman. May God bless her and may she one day find peace.

CW-I would gather you have never lost anyone close you are a very cold person. GOD BLESS Mary and The famlies that have lost there loved ones.
stop the war

There is nothing inappropriate or dishonoring about capturing this bitter reality. A true count of the "casualties of war" may never be known.

Thanks to the troops and to those have died and those who have lived to live without them. GEORGE BUSH....take note.

Images like this bring out the natural compassion in our hearts.  Can we channel that compassion into creating a world of peace? Our prayers to God for peace  can only be answered by our love for each person in our sphere of influence, for we are the hands of God. I hope that Mary finds some consolation in the arms of someone who loves her deeply.

It physically hurts my heart to see this woman engulfed in such grief.  It's bad enough these soldiers are gone, but to see the lives of those who loved them shattered like this is unbearably sad for me.  Please, somebody, stop this.

I truly cannot imagine her grief...but what struck me even greater was the elderly couple in the background. This may be their 30th Memorial Day visit. God is aware and will provide the grace in which to stand.

Some things should be left private and not shared with the world. To troops everywhere know that someone somewhere misses you and wants you to come home safe.

Look at her grief, so poignant, so raw.  Then look beyond, how many graves do you see? Then multiply it by every community, in every state. This is the price of Wars.  Can we never go beyond this as a civilization?

May the Goddess be with her in this desperate time and aid in her slow healing.  True love is hard to find and for it to be taken from you is beyond devestating.  I can only hope that her loss will make some difference in the world.  I am sure this young man is quite worthy of the love she feels for him and that they might be reunited in the next life.

This is a very private moment that should not be shared with the whole country/world.  We need to be respectful of peoples time of morning and not make it a subject of the media.

President Bush, please feel the pain of Mary and thousands of other relative. May be 0.001% of American are benefited of your war in Iraq but rest are sufferring. Please stop it and call back your brave warriors.

Is she sleepy? or what?

I was at Arlington on Monday visiting the grave of the Marine buried next to this woman's fiance.  I believe the photographers that took this pictures are extremely rude.  

This woman's mother was standing behind her in order to stop these people from gawking and had to repeatedly go up to any photographers and ask them to stop taking these photos.   This was a very personal moment and I found the photographers to be bloodsuckers...focused on money for themselves.

I find it incredibly interesting that we as a nation take such interest in a woman's grief over her dead fiance on Memorial Day, but we as a nation don't focus on the Marines, Soldiers, and our nation's policies during the rest of the year.  Nope, instead we watch Lindsay Lohan, whales trying to make it back to the ocean in California, Rosie vs. Hasselback, and Paris Hilton in Jail.  That's the news coverage...shame.

This photo is touching.  She is getting her heart as close to his as she can.  Losing my fiance would stop my world from spinning.  I can't begin to imagine what she is feeling in this photo, but her sharing of this private emotional moment has touched my heart.  I feel honored and humbled by this photo.  My heart goes out to her and all who have lost loved ones in this war.

After seeing this picture, I feel we've now all been allowed an opportunity to view first hand, the pain and suffering this war is causing, to so many people.  
Like many more of you, I also believe this photograph should be sent to every politician that supports "The War".  
Hundreds of billions of dollars have been spent supporting this man's death! And the pain...well there's NO value that can be put on that.  
Just imagine what over 400 BILLION dollars could have done if it was spent within your own country???  New Orleans would have been rebuilt by now, millions of hungry and poor could have been fed, the homeless could have been sheltered and more children could have been educated....
Need I say more?

Its time for the troops to come home.

My heart breaks for this young woman, who has had her hopes and dreams ripped from her heart.  I too, hope she finds peace in the days, weeks and months to come.  May she find the comfort she needs, laying next to her fallen soldier.  I applaud her for being so honest and open with her feelings.

It makes my heart hurt.

Oh how sad.My heart goes out to this woman and everyone who has lost a loved one in time of war. Life can be very sad. My son wanted to serve in this war. Imay be a coward but I talked him out of it,because I felt that it was not a war that we should be involved in. This is a senseless war! So many lives have been lost for what? This war is not about our freedom,this is about Bush`s selfishness!!

The pain in one's soul so visible in magnitude by this one captured moment that will speak for all who have suffered, or will ever suffer a loss of a loved one by combat or otherwise.

As a veteran, I would have to say, I am most drawn to THIS picture, and it's affects of war, than any other I have ever seen. I feel for this woman, but slowly, my empathy turns to anger. I am so tired of explaining, no, excusing, to my children, why our corrupt and bullying government has to continue to let scenes like happen. I can't but feel shame for the country I served for. I feel so betrayed. Not just for myself, but for my children and this woman grieving over what could have been.  

I have, in the past, gone to the cemetery where my family is buried. I have placed my hand on the stones and caressed them in an effort to feel close to them. I speak to them as if they can hear me. Somehow, it brings a sense of peace. What this woman is doing makes perfect sense to me. She wants to be close and feel him once more. It is not disrespectful. It is love, it is longing, it is sadness. It is right.

May God Bless her and grant her the wisdom to understand that her fiances sacrifice is for the greater good, maybe not in this war but none the less, God Bless our service men and woman, as well as their familys. From the bottom of my heart thank you all.

To make this picture a canvas for a political agenda is WRONG.

If there is any humanity left in this world, don't use this moment in a young woman's life as your pro or anti war campaign.

I'm anti-war and the photo is memorable, but I have a question. There just happened to be a photographer there? She just happened to travel with a photographer? and this wasn't posed? I know a photo-journalist who would happily do something this unethical. Give me a break.

The only weapon of mass destruction I see coming out of this war, is the war itself. Countless lives are destroyed. God's blessing on all the victims.

"All wars are fought for money."
-Socrates
"Wars are poor chisels for carving our peaceful tomorrows."
-Martin Luther King Jr.
"All warfare is based on deception."
-Sun Tzu
"In war, there are no unwounded soldiers."
-Jose Narosky
"War doesn't make boys men, it makes men dead."
-Ken Gillespie

"The belief in the possibility of a short decisive war appears to be one of the most ancient and dangerous of human illusions."
-Robert Lynd

This poor woman knows pain.  Pain that cannot be cured with a pill or kind words.  Pain that makes you wish to rip your teeth from your mouth and pull your skin from your bones to make it go away. No my friends, time does NOT heal all wounds, it merely buries it in a shallow grave.  I weep openly for this woman for I too am familar with this pain.      

As a Nam  Air Force vet who lost eight "brothers" over there, this picture needs no explanation, this says it all. There is a hurt and a loss but you go on.   One day she will see her love again. AWESOME! As for the "Vet", IPCHW and others - keep the cheap political shots out of this.  This isn't the place - you all just can't give it a rest on this special day.

My God...

I have to fight back tears, and yet I do not want to look away.  

My husband is set to deploy with the Navy at the end of this summer for the second second time in as many years, so while I feel it would be wrong for me to say I feel this woman's pain, I do know the fear that preceeds it.  I do know the longing and waiting, the deep deadening pain in the pit of your stomach when it's been too long between emails or phone calls for everything to be ok.

I pray every day that I will never take the love of my life for granted.  Every night that I get to lay with my husband and drift to sleep in his arms, I pray that I will never be in this woman's shoes, laying with a grave stone to be closer to the man she will always love.


As for the appropriateness of this photograph, it speeks volumes for the pain our nation is living through, on individual at a time,  but I wonder if this woman consented to this being published.  While she was most definitely in a public place, it obviously a very private and painful moment for her, and one she would almost definitely have taken to a more private location, if only it was possible.

My God...

I have to fight back tears, and yet I do not want to look away.  

My husband is set to deploy with the Navy at the end of this summer for the second second time in as many years, so while I feel it would be wrong for me to say I feel this woman's pain, I do know the fear that preceeds it.  I do know the longing and waiting, the deep deadening pain in the pit of your stomach when it's been too long between emails or phone calls for everything to be ok.

I pray every day that I will never take the love of my life for granted.  Every night that I get to lay with my husband and drift to sleep in his arms, I pray that I will never be in this woman's shoes, laying with a grave stone to be closer to the man she will always love.


As for the appropriateness of this photograph, it speeks volumes for the pain our nation is living through, on individual at a time,  but I wonder if this woman consented to this being published.  While she was most definitely in a public place, it obviously a very private and painful moment for her, and one she would almost definitely have taken to a more private location, if only it was possible.

Very moving indeed. Makes me wonder what it is all for? Oil or bragging rights that we got Saddam? over 3000 dead and I blame our fearless leaders for all this grief!

Such sorrow, and so simply portrayed.  The poor young woman, her heart ripped out.  A very good picture in my opinion.  (Sadly, there was no need for her loss; this war should/could have been avoided.)

We NEED to see all the caskets returning to the US, why is the government allowed to block us from REALLY seeing the truth. Mary's pain is in the hearts of all AMericans - except Bush......money he makes from this war is all that is in his heart.

After reading many of the comments I feel compelled to say; if their had been a cameramann/woman lurking about on several days in July 2004, they would have gotten shots of my daughter, curled in a fetal position because deep grief made it nearly impossible for her to her to unfold herself, lying on top of my grandsons grave.........killled by a drunk driver. I have lain on his grave much as the young woman in this picture, even though I know the essence of him is not there, just to feel as close as I'll ever be to him again.  I am not hardened to her grief and yes, my heart goes out to her because I have an idea of what she is feeling, but, as hard as it is to face, this life we live is not forever and physical death is inevitable...we just don't know how it will happen or when..George W. didn't kill her fiance', life did.  Alcohol didn't kill my grandson, life did.  Claim the next life...it's gonna be better there

I feel terrible for that young woman. I can not imagine the paint that she goes through everyday knowing that he is gone.

This is a perfect example of why war and those who support it is one of the dumbest things any member of the human race can do. Who knows what kind of great things to help humanity this man could have done had his life not been so tragically and needlessly cut short. He could have discovered a cure for AIDS or Cancer, he could have invented a revoultionary new fuel system that would render oil obsolute, he could have even done something as small as been a great husband and father (something there are too few of these days). But the world will never get to see any of that happen.

"The greatest hurt comes not from malice but from indifference."

For every dead Soldier, Marine, Airman, Sailor & Coastie there are fifty disabled veterans.  Please visit your local VA hospital for a taste of the hidden side of war.

I'm ex-NAVY! On the outside. We all say it's hard for the men and women in the service. This reminds us that it's also hard for the families.I want to say thanks to the families that drive the men and women. You are very speical to us all! THANKYOU!

SUA SPONTE is right JM

The U.S. Army's special operations unit, the 75th Ranger Regiment, uses Sua Sponte as their regimental motto.
It mean "of ones own accord".  You all remember that.  He did it because he WANTED to.  He was a true hero and a defender of freedom on his own accord, no one made him do it.  He unselfishly gave his life so that other may benefit.  The world could use a little more unselfishness, especial right here where I see people using this photo to prove their own selfishly poitical view point.  

RANGERS LEAD THE WAY
RIP RANGER

I agree with so many comments on here, but there are a few that shouldn't have been allowed on here, freedom of speech or not!  Shame on you, JoeJersey!  Quote, "she's hot", unquote!  My gosh, man!  And some men wonder why we ladies call them male chauvinist pigs!  I am so sorry, to all the other men here!!!

This war must be stopped!! My heart & my prayers go out to the families who have lost loved ones & even loved ones who are yet fighting in this war that I feel is unnecessary.  

BrianP... here's one for you; seems very appropriate in this photoblog:
"When the elephants fight, it's the grass that suffers!" ~ African Proverb

I've spent the entire day captivated by the raw emotion captured in this photo.

As another woman who has chosen to love one of the brave men who fight for our country, my heart bleeds for her and every one who is left behind when a promising young life is taken in war.

Above and beyond the politics of it all, this war DOES have a human face, the face of men and women clinging despirately to the one they love who is leaving for war, the face of children who hardly recognize their parents upon their safe return, or even worse, the ones left forever to wonder who their mommy or daddy was.  

It is the human face that has been lost in the tabloids, the articles every day giving a number to our war dead, but seldom a name, a face, a family, or a future cut so short.

The only way I can imagine to truly honor our fallen heros is to continue loving them with the intensity and sincerity that Ms. McHugh had the courage to display.


That said, if her permission was not given to publish this photograph, I find it offensive, and yet almost a necessary evil at this point in our society where (as it was pointed out earlier) catchy phrases like "Freedom isn't FREE" are used to give a false air of patriotism, without any humility or empathy behind them.  

If only there was some glimmer of hope that this woman's grief (and that of everyone left behind by one of our brave fallen) was not for nothing...

A very powerful and emotional photo showing the never ending grief this young woman will suffer. Too many young lives have been taken from their families, the madness has to stop. My condolences go out to all you who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Italo, Montreal, Canada.

Nanc is correct..."Heart wrenching"...and yet at the same time this woman conveys the conviction of her great courage. I doubt she sees that of herself at this moment.

We must not forget these soldiers. We, however, must end this invasion, occupation, and war. Mr/ Bush must asknowledge he has no clue.

My stomach in is knots. Her pain, heart wrenching pain, is so clear. Just to be near him once more. God, I pray for all those who feel this pain! I pray those responsible for this pointless war experience true justice.

Thanks (again), George! Steal some more of your family's money, have this enlarged, and put it on a billboard in front of Halliburton's headquarters.

Wars will contuine, as will those lost in thier name and those left to carry on. May peace be with Mary and healing come on swift wings.

"I'm thankful for those thankful for the things I've done. I can rest in peace; I'm one of the chosen ones: I made it to Arlington"
-Trace Adkins

I can't believe that the photographer had the audacity to take this photo. This is a very personal and private moment for this young woman. The photographer intruded carelessly and was just concerned about a great picture. Imagine if you were grieving deeply for someone you lost. Would you want someone standing over your shoulder taking your picture for profit?

Words can not change how this women feels. Words can not bring back her true-love. Words can not bring back a son to his grieving parents. Support is the only thing that I can give. I am truly sorry for your loss and you are not grieving alone. The whole world grieves with you.

This photo should be sent to the President.  

So incredibly sad.  

Words can hardly discribe this photo. I can only imagen her pain and how she feels that this picher obviusly convays.  

As I sit here and look through these photos, I stop and write about this one and this one only.

It is terrible to invade on someones private moment (as a couple of blogers mentioned), however, it is necessary that we see (as a nation) the power behind these photos.  Without these photos, it is all too easy to believe this war doesn't affect them.

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO.

Nanc is correct - this is terribly heart wrenching!  We have lost too many brave men and women in this horrible war!!

I think it says this was well worth the sacrifice for our country, don't you.  She really seems proud and I'm sure she'll be ready to join up next.

Heart wrenching photo.

My thoughts and my tears are with Mary.

FYI-There is audio somewhere else on MSNBC of the photographer explaining how he spoke to Mary before the picture was taken and she told him all about "Jimmy."  So the whole "invasion of privacy" thing and the "evil media" angle are kind of null, void, and annoying.

This photo evokes raw emotion and is a reminder of the cost of war.  Let us honor our fallen heroes (yes HEROES, they volunteered...many AFTER 9/11 so the whole "only in the military for health benefits and college money" argument is pointless also.)

Stay safe boys and come home soon!

In a time when relationships appear to be worthless, this shows that love is out there. Never ending love, where even death doesn't destroy it. Inspiring to all of us!

I wish words could heal her pain and dry her tears. But only the good Lord in time can do what we all wish we could. My heart goes out to all who have lost someone due to this war.

I am also engaged, and planning my wedding to a wonderful man. With that comes so much hope and excitement about the kind of life we will build together and the family that we will create. To see someone come from a similar place, and have her future ripped away from her so abruptly and so brutally - and for what? It is inexcusable beyond imagination, and it makes me sick.

300 million Americans walk in freedom daily with no knowledge of freedom's true cost.  ONLY a few know the true cost, like this woman.  The price of our freedom has not and will never go down, unfortunately.  This photo reminds us to cherish our freedoms and walk in respect of those who have sacrificially paid the price....for us.

It is a beautiful, heart wrenching image of a young woman mourning her departed loved one.  It is just as simple as that.

Rather than manipulating this into some type of political statement, why don't you just appreciate it for what it is.  Do not allow this to be twisted into a political statement for either side.  As a retired soldier and multiple tour combat veteran, I knew full well what the risks were each and every time I was called upon to deploy as do each of the rest of the servicemembers that serve.  If I had lost my life, as some of those who were to my right and left did, while serving my country, I would not have wanted someone trying to use that fact for their own cause.  How about if we honor them and just take heart in the fact that there are still young men and women out there who are willing to risk their lives (be it in the uniformed service, or police, or firefighting) to proctect other people who can't or won't?  

I am so, so sorry to all family members who have lost a loved one.
This is a beautiful, moving picture. I cried the minute I saw it.  I can feel this woman's pain.

I think this is a great photo! It honors all our brothers and sisters over there, and shows how much we miss the ones who've died for their country!

There is no doubt that this photo strikes the emotions of Americans. I believe that although unfortunate, this man and his fiance made a choice, and knew of the potential risks involved. I do feel for her.

I would urge other Americans to consider the vast number of citezens of other countries who are gonig through the same emothions for their fallen soldiers. Iraqis, Afghanis, Israelies, etc. As Americans, we have a tendency to mourn for only our own citezens, and forget that people of other nations go through the same feelings of loss, and in much greater numbers.

I was moved to tears by this photograph. I don't think of war when I see it, I think of love. My heart breaks for Mary, and my wish for her is that she will be strong and will find peace and love again some day.

It is totally appropriate, she knew
he was photographing her, I saw the pic on the week in pictures on msnbc
and the camerman had also interviewed her prior to taking the photo.

Nonetheless, my heart goes out to her and all who have lost loved ones in the war or otherwise.

In a word, the photograph is extraordinary.

It is not an easy photograph to take. The best photographers don't lay ALL their emotions aside to get the shot. They lay only enough aside to acquire a technically correct image while maintaining enough humanity to know how to compose the image with taste.

The image is truly haunting and is not an image that I will soon forget.

Every day I sit at my desk, and lose myself in thoughts of my boyfriend. He's in Iraq for his second year. This picture is my nightmare. I see it and wonder when it will be me laying there. I wake up with the same broken heart every day, and I say a prayer that today will pass quickly and safely.
This war has to stop. Any sense it made stopped being valid a long time ago. Why is no one listening to us?

I'm 38 years old and up until now I never gave much thought to Memorial Day. Don't get me wrong -  I certainly understood and appreciated it's meaning.  My grandfather was in WWII and my Dad served in Korea. Between this photo and others that saluted other soldiers it finally dawned on me.  Our president is a coward, too important of a person to have served in the armed forces. Yet he doesn't flinch at the loss of our own troops.  We are close to surpassing the death toll of 9/11, when will it be enough?  How dare he continue to let this happen?  The terrorists are still out there, they aren't going anywhere but they will continue to kill our troops.  It's not even an army or government that is doing this and it isn't on our soil.  Yes, Iraq is looking better but it doesn't do me any good.

God bless you,  Mary. I have a daughter who serves today in the Peace Corps in Africa and she bears an unbelievable resemblance  to you. My heart stopped when I saw the picture.  I know how young people grieve.....just exactly like old people do. I remember as a young lad hearing about the horrors of war from my Day who landed at Normandy on D-day 1944. I believe this generation of  young Americans  can also lay claim to  being  one of “the greatest generations.”  May you have the strength to get through this tragedy.

Sgt James surely stands beside Jesus, fully understanding all He does for us.  Mary's obvious grief has touched the hearts of millions of viewers.  I can only pray for her, to find peace to relieve her heartache.

Looking at this pcture brought tears to my eyes.  Thinking of all the people who have had their heart broken and thoose who will have their heart broken.  My heart goes out to all the soldiers and their families.  We love and supprt all of you!!!

When I saw this photo, my initial thought was that here lies all of their cherished, yet broken dreams of their future together, and all of the timeless, loving memories they shared.

Until the last moment and beyond, they loved each other and still do. Not even death can change this.

May she find peace in her life.

A sad time for us all, the loss of a loved one. However, leave it to the media to butt it's nose where it don't belong. Has anyone sat back and given it one thought, that this is her moment of closure, and her's alone. I'd almost bet this photo was posted for the world to see, without her knowledge or permission. Shame on you John Moore.

This picture shows me what memorial day is all about.  Thank you John for the sacrafice you made for me to have the freedom to disucuss this beautiful and heartfelt moment.

this is one of the saddest pictures I have ever seen. Her heartache and pain can be felt just by looking at this picture. Mary you and your financee are in my thoughts and prayers, may god bless both of you!

Its very tuff to see but unfortunately war is inevitable. He chose to fight and protect democracy.  Something i also have chosen to do, 21 years and counting.  It is sad that he died so young.  

I'm sitting at my desk with tears rolling down my face.  God bless Mary and all families suffering from their losses.

If we didn't record images like these we wouldn't be true to the story of humanity. It's a personal moment that was captured here, yes. But it would be a dishonour to our hearts and the love we feel for those who have been lost if we   pretened moments like these never happned. We are beings of great emotion...it's something that makes us differnt from anything else on this planet. And it would be moraly wrong to  pretend otherwise.  

The picture simply proves that although someone may not be "in" your life anymore, your love for that persona is still there. War or not.

Extreme sadness came over me when I saw this pictures…it shows how senseless the war is….or for that matter any war.  My heart goes to her and all the families that have lost a loved one.

This shows such loss it made me cry.  Such misery and sorrow so early in life.  So very hard to see.  Why can't Bush see this???

Her angel will help her to heal but its a long road, my prayers and heart are with her........and his family.
God Bless

This is one of the saddest pictures that I have ever seen.

All of those young dreams......shattered.

This is a powerful statement of the torments of corporal life.  Would that people everywhere would assume this prone position in penitent supplication before the Blessed Sacrament in all the Catholic Churches which contains Christ Himself, abandoned wholesale in these pathetically secular days, so that peace could reign on earth and war would be no more.  But no one will listen.  

I will pray for Mary and her late fiance.  The greatest tragedy is the calousness, and indifference of George Bush JR, and his illegal invasion of Iraq.  The misuse of the bravest and most noble military in the world, and the terrible grief that it has caused so many of our families is truly criminal. Bring the boys back home!

Thank you. Both Mary and this photo jornalist.

Blessings to all the families that are feeling the loss of a loved one.

This photo shows one of the advantages of war.  A young woman has had her heart broken.  When USA goes abroad and "defends" other countries, I wonder if the sacrifice has any value?  I wonder if war adequately portrays a solution to the problem?  I also wonder if those, who may benefit from the loss of this soldier's life, honor him?

I hope the photographer have her permission to show this to the world...

Heartbreaking photo.  Sent goosebumps up my whole spine and skin.  This girl has lost the man she loves.  I can't imagine losing the man I love, after having been single so long.  My thoughts are with her and all the other women out there that have lost their loved ones... never to grow old with them... God just isn't fair sometimes, but we have to accept it and go on...

I took one look at this photo and it just brought tears to my eyes...

The message this picture shows stuck deep into my heart.  I saw a young woman who had all her dreams shattered before her and her life altered forever.  I still believe in what we are doing, but I do feel that this needs to end and end soon before more fiances, mothers, daughters, sisters, cousins, husbands, sons, dads have to endure anymore of this kind of pain.

The message the photographer said with it made me cry and hit a pain deep inside me.  I do hope that Mary will eventually find peace and know that her angel will always be with her.  She and their families will be in my prayers.

I can relate to this woman's pain...I am married to one of Viet Nam's casualties, my then fiance returned from Nam at 22 a totally different person. Although I have him alive, the 20 yr. old I was engaged to has died a slow painful death from guilt over what he had to do...there was no choice but to go when drafted...as he is a true American.I pray for all of us as we're ALL affected by war.

It is always nice when the world (media) can steal your private moment in a private-public place without your knowledge and display it for a 4th grade social studies class style round table discusion. It is also interesting to note that it is the top picture on "Week In Pictures" and "Featured Slide Shows" AAAhh! to be, to have been, to have your sacrifice and your familie's pain exploited , this must have been exactly what they both wanted when he signed up to protect us all. Keep in mind someone (photo-journo-creature) was paid to money for this picture and sent out to find just such a picture (Mary of course, was not paid, just exploited, freedom of the press you know) so people would stop and visit their site (connected with all manner of ads). The ploy worked and here we all are, peering in through the crack of a door in a woman's heart pryed open by the voyeristic crowbar of the media and it's twisted view of the Constitution that this man gave up his life to protect. All that is required here is respect and honor for that sacrifice, not a quick buck and political posturing. Fredom costs dearly.  

I also lost my soul mate in this war, he died a hero as they ALL do. He was doing what he was trained to do and was there because he believed it was the RIGHT thing to do. The lost dreams and empty hearts of my sons and I are mirrored in this photo.
Someday we will all meet again.

My heart is touched. I am a patriotic American, & Baptist Preach. This picture speaks to me of extreme Love & Loss in the pursuit of Freedom. John Quincy Adams said it best. "Posterity, you will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it.  Thank you for your love & sacrifice. May GOD continue to Bless your Life. Bless your Heart.

A reminder that a picture is worth a thousand words.  God bless the soldier and the young lady.

The photo is very moving especially because we just buried my son's best friend also killed in Iraq by an IED.  He's leaving behind a wife and unborn child.  If Mary gave her permission to be photographed I have no problem with it.  If not, I feel it was an invasion of her privacy.  I can only pray that God will heal all the broken hearts caused by these losses.  Thank you for your sacrifice and thank you to those who are fighting to preserve our security.

I believe that RobPensacolaFlorida said it best. It is not for us to judge but as human beings we are able to share in her grief. As Americans we respect the sacrifice made for our freedom. In the picture there are many headstones it speaks volumes to me. God bless and thank you for serving your country.

It honors the dead in a way that we can all feel and understand.

It heaps dishonor upon those who, like George Bush, put our patriotic young men and women in harm's way for NO reason.

A very moving shot. Nice angle. Was the photographer in a tree or on a ladder or something? She must have known her picture was being taken. One of those pictures that will make a statement in history. A real tear jerker.

For anyone who believes this is an inappropriate photo, maybe you should educate yourself about photojournalism and documentary photography.  It's not like the photographer was driving past & shot this photo.  He spent much time with this woman, she told her story, he told his (he has spent much time in Iraq & Afghanistan).  The whole point of this kind of photography is the be able to tell someone's story in a single frame and to do so, take an ENORMOUS amount of sensitivity and mutual connection.  In a few moments spent together, you create a strong, intimate bond.  This isn't Joe Schmo taking pictures like paparazzi, stalking their subject & running off when the get their shot.

My husband is a disabled Navy Veteran and we have had financial problems ever since his honorable discharge. His disability money is not near enough to support our family of four. He mentioned the other day how he could go to Iraq so that we'd be financially okay again. I said that I would much rather be poor than to ever have the chance of losing him.

My heart and prayers are with Mary and all the other family members that are without their loved ones.

My heart aches for her, seeing her raw grief expressed in a way few would dare, it's poetic. I don't know this young woman but the picture made me want to wrap my arms around her and console her for the depth of her loss, her life hopes and dreams snuffed in a second like a candle. This war is horrendously endless.

This photo breaks my heart and brought me to tears.  God be with her.

This photo breaks my heart.  My thoughts and prayers are with her and to all of the families and friends of the fallen heroes.

My heart breaks for this woman, and for all who have lost someone in the war.  There are so many of us that do not know anyone involved in the war, making it easy to forget that others fear this very thing happening to them.

Please pray for everyone involved.  

If you need help praying, you can go to Psalm 102 (you can even Google it).  "Hear my prayer, O LORD; let my cry for help come to you..."

Truly one of the most stirring photos about this war to date.  You cannot view this photo without being deeply moved!  Whether it be through anger, grief, disgust, etc., this photo MOVES people.  The flushed ears, cheeks, and neck...her grief is so painfully obvious...it takes my breath away.  Anyone who has lost a loved one - regardless of cause - can painfully identify with the agony in this photo.

I applaude the photographer for courageously sharing this moment with America.  It's clear from his dialogue that this was not easy for him.  Permisson or not, I truly believe some situations transcend such formalities, and this is one of those situations. America needs to see this.  Even though we are at war, I fear the overwhelming prosperity in our country leads to complacency.  In the 1st & 2nd world wars everyone was affected and made sacrifices.  Today, for better or worse, it seems only the families of soldiers are truly affected by this war.

Regardless of your religous or political persuasions, please pray for soldiers and their loved ones throughout our world, and for a swift resolution to the conflicts that call them to duty.

And if you've never been to Arlington, go.  It will change you...
 

My heart breaks. I dont want to be like her so some photographer can 'cash' in on my sorrow. And then to see flippant remarks made by knowitalls, speaking from both sides of their mouth. Clearly uncertain of whether they are Americans or not.
All I want is to have my son home. His being there among other "sacrificial lambs" is not worth all the oil in the world. Keep peace? For whom? It makes little difference in the mentality of a people who have been trying to anhilate one another since the beginning of time. Did that soldier for whom this young lady mourns so sorrowfully change that mentality? NO. My waiting here for my sons return someday, hopefully alive change their ways? NO. Does the daily carnage at their doorstep by their own people stop them or make them want
to stand up and say "enough"! NO.
Instead they are here in America, the land of "arrogance", "backward thinking" to speak freely on just how stupid we are to be involved in 'their' war. They can keep it! I want my son home.
No its not appropriate, poignant but not appropriate.

I feel there is nothing wrong with taking this picture.  None of us want to see sadness.  We like to see cute, fun pictures. Reality is hard to look at but should be shown nevertheless. When my mother died, I wanted to literally get into the casket and go with her. I know exactly how Mary feels. She feels like there is a huge hole in her chest where her heart used to be beating. LIke somebody just ripped it out of her and her life will never be the same. She wants to go with her love of her life and not face being left without him. It will get better though. The pain gradually lessons.  It never goes away, but it gets less painful as the years pass. God Bless you Mary.

I support our troops; however, I cannot support a war that may never be won.  I am so saddened by this photograph.  It seems to sum up the tragedy and the hopelessness of it all.  And we have no one to blame but ourselves because we continue to place people in office who have no intention of listening to their constituency on this, or almost any other issue.  Maybe if we stopped casting a blind eye as citizens of America and started communicating with our elected officials and THEN, when they don't listen use our voting power to send them a final message and vote them out of office....well, maybe then we'll have fewer photographs like this.  Someone's comment said that this photo was "embarrassing"....it is....but not for her....for us as a nation.

Have we not evolved yet from the caveman that conflict cannot be resolved without killing our children? And what sickens me is the politicians who sit in Washington or in Irag or England and are SO far removed from the bloodshed. They truly need to experience the same loss and maybe just maybe in my life time it may end!!!!
Grow up little boys and quit playing cops and robbers, indians and cowboys.. These are real lives you are playing with !!!

This photo truly displays the old adage "Freedom isn't free", and the heart-wrenching sacrifices made for the continuance of our country, America.  God Bless Mary

This should go down in history equal to the Times Square kiss.
It also should be sent to Congress and the White House-especially to Laura

This picture ripped my heart out. It reminds me of the anger and disregard Bush has. How can a real person go on vacations and eat meals with their healthy family members while young men and women are being killed? I guess it is like "pass the salt" to Bush. I wouldn't go across the street to give him a drink of water if he were lying in the dessert.
    He literally changed Mary's life. He stopped it cold. What gives him the right to do this? Someone needs to stop him, if  Surhan Surhan could be stopped, Bush can to.

even though you have to feel sorry for her, this is nothing more than the liberal slant to make people even more ticked off - why esle would you be there when someone is actually mourning? come on, some of us have figured out you idiot Rosie O'Donnell wannabes...

Oh, how this does show the horror of war for those left behind!  As others have said, does Bush see this terrible, heartbreaking side of what he has done?  We can only pray that Mary finds the strength to go on and forever love and remember the times she had with this courageous young man.  Such a heartbreaking picture!!

My husband, who is in Iraq, emailed me and said he saw this story and photo and it moved him.  He said he was sorry for taking his life, wife and kids for granted.  He mentioned how blessed we have been and how much he is grateful for what God has given us...  He has never said anything to me like that before.  I cried.
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of our soliders and their families. We will prevail!  

No words...there just aren't any that can explain, justify or make a human being understand this anymore.  Our country only stops for a brief moment to look upon this poor woman and feel her pain.  The next day we are glorifying movie and rock stars to god like status.  I will never forget you laying there.  I will remember the sorrow in my own heart when I think of you.

To me, as a military spouse, this photo touches my heart more than ever. My husband and son both returned safely from their last deployment but we live with anixety constantly of re-deployment and possible death. I wish America could understand the DAILY lives of the military family and what they endure for the freedom and safety of this great Nation.

Ms McHugh is (understandably) phsyically trying to be close to her fiancee. I hope she will eventually realize that she will find more comfort in his company through prayer, self searching and connecting to him through rememberance. Looking for him and talking to him through signs in nature... he has made a transformation and can no longer be found in the ground. He surrounds her.

Being a military wife, I feel this womans pain.  As I sit here I look at my son who is sleeping and wonder if the day will come that I too grieve like this woman.  I am so sorry for her loss, knowing that her future husband was fighting for our rights.  Now this woman must live with a void in her life.  I appreciate what her loved one has done.  I read more captions as I write this, why can't people understand these men and women volunteered to help America, they were not forced, I understand America is upset with President Bush, but this our commander, I believe in him, maybe not what he stands for all the time, but these individuals and families know exactly what they are getting into when they sign on the line.  This is not the place to voice your anger.

This photo moved me to tears.  This has to be the most heart felt display yet.  Its the simpliest emotion love and its the most painful to loose a loved one.  This is one that will be embedded into my brain....no words will ever truly explain this womans grief.  May God ease your heart from pain.

God Bless her, him, and there familys. And thank you to him. As for you people who want to blame the Gov, Bush and anyone else...if you would spend more time working and worring on domestic volience, drive by shootings,ect. in this country (which kills many,many more then the war) we might all be better off. Wake up people!

This was my greatest fear as my husband also served as an Army Ranger with 4 deployments in 3 years.  I think I would have felt exposed if a similar picture had been taken of me, and I hope Mary had the opportunity to give her permission for the printing of this image nationally.  Her fiance is a hero, and so is she.  Bless you my friend--his sacrifice secures so much for so many, but is also so painful.  I'm praying for you as you honor and grieve your love.

I know what that pain feels like to have lost someone...........Time will heal those wombs and God please be with her all the way.

Even though the toll is heavy, the fallen would have a harder stuggle living and seeing their loved ones terrorized or killed on our soil.  Even in World War II we lost many young people to be a part of the "count", so we could continue on.  It has now become a 'flat' world, with enemies that are no longer distanced by oceans. Even though this is such a touching photo, it would have been worse to see them both side by side, in graves, due to some terroristic attack on our native soil.  

A Nation lives because some are willing to die for freedom.

For anyone who has lost a loved one during a time of war this photo speaks for all of them. During my 20 years of service I saw quite a few of my fellow service personnel killed in the line of duty. Mary, he will always be there in your heart.

I have never been impacted so much by a single glance at a picture.  It moved me to tears.  God bless Mary, everyone else who has lost somebody for our freedom, & those who worry everyday about their loved ones fighting in war.  Let the blood shed end.

Images like this clearly illustrate both the magnificence and brevity of love.  Through courage and admiration of the human spirit, the photographer captured a deeply private moment which magnifies the hurt and loss of life in all our hearts.  Although life on Earth is journey measured in hours, bravery, humility, love, and the simple unmasking of vanity to express it edure forever.  My heart goes out to Mary and the countless families and friends who, too, have struggled with such profound loss.

I sat looking at this photo for a long time. Her agony radiates. It almost seems as if she is trying to stretch out as close as possible to him to feel him again. I felt agony for her too and that visceral gut punch I'm sure many of us feel when we hear of yet another of our best and brightest coming home in the one way we pray they never do. Every time the news tolls another death count of the day or week, my heart wretches. This image is such a profound and intimate expression of that agony on such a personal level. My heart really goes out to this girl and so many others like her. Too many Jimmys, and too many Marys.

Ghoulish, completely inappropriate, and an abominable intrusion into the most personal and private grief of a woman mourning the lost love of her life.  The "photojournalist" who 'bushwhacked' this woman, after he admits in the audio interview accompanying the photo that he had earlier clumsily attempted to ingratiate himself with her, should be utterly ashamed of himself and deserves NONE of the misguided praise he receives on this blog or anywhere else for that matter. A Pulitizer Prize nomination???  Hardly.  He belongs staking out the trash cans of the stars along with the other paparazzi in Hollywood.  He certainly should not be wandering the most hallowed ground in America where valor truly rests like a vulture feasting on the sorrow of the families of heroes who lie there.  God Bless the woman in the photo, Mary and her "Jimmy."  America honors his ultimate sacrifice for the country he loved and believed in, and mourns with the woman who still loves him...and always will.  We apologize for the media's insensitive effort to use your grief for their own purposes.

I'm so sorry, Mary.  So sorry.

I think the photo of Mary stretched out next to Jimmy Regan's grave is heart-wrenching, and overwhelming.  It crystalizes the eternal fact that all the pillow-talk that could ever have been between the two is silenced forever...and one can almost feel the emotions Mary must be feeling as she does all she can to find physical and spiritual unity with the man she has lost forever.

I think the photo of Mary stretched out next to Jimmy Regan's grave is heart-wrenching, and overwhelming.  It crystalizes the eternal fact that all the pillow-talk that could ever have been between the two is silenced forever...and one can almost feel the emotions Mary must be feeling as she does all she can to find physical and spiritual unity with the man she has lost forever.

May the Angels bless and keep you Mary...
Our military and our civilian leadership do have a clue ~ that is exactly why they take the job ~ and it is the poor state of our nation's educational system and the bias of the media that have utterly failed us ~ this same battle has gone on since almost time immemorial, simply type Saladin into a search engine if you know not the story ~ and just recently even the vaunted Europeans have awakened to the fact that there is a radicalism afoot threatening the essence of humankind itself ~ and yes, we, the USofA, pay the price for the rest of world as we have for the last century, i.e., chances at a better life, democracy, enforcement of freedoms, from modern communications over the electronic ether to the most ancient, unfettered navigation of the high-seas ~ and yes, the historical bane of civilization, the containment of madmen, at thee very highest cost of all, the sacrifice of our very best and brightest.
R.I.P. Valiant Warrior: thank you for your unswerving service and may you and yours be happily reunited...

For all of you that think that this photo was taken WITHOUT her knowledge or consent, please check out http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3917677/displaymode/1107/s/2/framenumber/1/


Words cannot describe this picture.  My heart goes out to her.

Dear God - please forgive us all.  Find peace Mary....So very sad, indeed.

This is exactly the way the people who have lost loved ones in this was should be seen.  It shows that just because they are gone, they are not forgotten.  The passion for lives BEFORE  death should be as sweet.  LET'S DO ALL WE CAN TO BRING THEM HOME ALIVE!

This photo made my heart ache.  Every day I ache for those families who have lost men and women in the war.  To every politician, Please have the courage our servicemen and women have.  End the war and bring them home.
\

So young to go through this. But then what is the right age for someone to loose someone? To see her there knowing she is totally lost because of this death is over whelming. The only comfort she has is knowing he gave his life for his country in an attempt to protect all of us. I feel for her and hope as time goes on she will move forward with life.

Such a heartbreaking moment captured by this picture. I have to write something to stop my tears from rolling down my face.

The young lady's love is so clear, and the pain of loss so deep, beyond words...

I just hope the ones, who cause her heartache, be judged by God and pay for their sins.

Intense picture.  I feel so bad for that poor girl.  What she must be going through with the loss of her fiance is more than I can imagine; this picture seems to truly capture such emotions.  

Thank you God for the men and women serving our country, let us never take them for granted, not for a single minute, Amen.

We grieve with you.

There's nothing more that can be said, because this picture says it all.  In it, I see her love, passion, sorrow, and remembrance and from it I get that she loved a great man who will never be forgotten.

A young woman's future changed forever,
now she is weary beyond her years.

I pray President Bush has viewed this photo. There are no words to adequately express this emotional scene....this is so profoundly painful, God bless you Mary.

END THE WAR!!

I don't know what to type. Everything that could be said has been said. This is one of the most moving photos I have ever seen. My heart just sinks looking at her in such agony and longing. It is actually heart breaking. My prayers are with her tonight.

i teared up the very second i saw this picture. my most heartfelt thanks go out to all those who sacrifice and risk their lives for people they don't even know...i am forever grateful.

This is an extremely emotional moment. When I saw this photo, I wanted to cry as I feel her pain. No words can describe this. It's devestating to lose someone you love.

Bush must answer for her tears and his senseless death

We have seen Kira Wolf at the grave of her beloved boy friend in Arlington Cemetary, now she to is joined in mourning of a lost boy fiend by Mary McHugh. As a WW11 vateran, and the loss of many of my friends, words fail me at the sight of Kira Wolf and Mary McHugh at the
grave site of their loved ones in Arlington National Cemetary.  
"What Greater Love".

This woman has as much heart as her/our HERO did to be serving this country to make the ultimate sacrifice.  FOR US.  President Bush please secure the borders effeciently with no amnesty. Please polarize these soldiers fight for our rights and sovereignty as a Nation.

My heart hurts for Mary.  As the wife of a military member currently stationed in Iraq, I can only imagine the pain she must feel.  Our husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, brothers, sister, sons, and daughters signed up to protect OUR country, and they are not dying for our country.  They are dying for a "political" war that our american soldiers should not be in.  This should be a manadtory screen saver for every politician that has not pushed to bring our soldiers HOME immediately.

Wow.

It’s rare that love, such an exquisite intangible, is revealed to the visible world, in such a clearly, tangible way.

Love adorns us from within, invisibly gracing the heart.  I consider myself honored to have glimpsed upon it with my eyes.

Thank you, Mary.

Two began together, lived as one
Each one to the other had become
More than a friend, living to meet a common end
They were true, each one knew all is well

Still the elder knew it could not last
Hidden memories from the young one's past
Drew them apart

I wish Mary a quick healing of her heart and mind, God Bless her
Both knew that deep within his heart they must part
Each their own separate way

It puzzles me how we can be so close and yet worlds apart
Can it be, my memory has torn my life in two
From the very start
I screamed for the devil to let me be
I called to the heavens to set me free
Today I prayed for the answer and not one
Of the gods in the sky would rescue me

Dreams of fortune fill the young one's mind
Learn the worldly ways of hope to find
Love on the way, searching to find the light of day
In his soul he had found his own way

But to each other they soon will return
Destiny fulfilled, their words will burn an eternal flame

Yes it is VERY personal and makes me cry. There have been many very personal pictures that help us think and feel with a few of them being great. This is one of the great ones! This one images has the power to bring to life the sacrifices many have made and the pain that that sacrifice can cause. I was hardened to the meaning of Memorial Day until I seen this picture. The last time I felt like

This photo depicts my worst nightmare- being in Mary's position in Arlington.  I can hardly type this without wiping away the tears.  Every day that passes without my husband home is lonely enough, and just the thought of never seeing him alive again rips me apart.  I live for the moments the phone rarely rings, I live for the moments when the postman delivers an outdated letter, I check my email constantly hoping the internet was up that day.  My heart hurts for her... we've lost so many troopers in the last month just in our Division.  Bless this woman, may she find peace and comfort.

Thank you to her fiance' for fighting for us.  He is a true hero.  

First of all, I need to express ny deepest gratitude to all the member of our armed forces.  They exemplify the values of America and I am very proud of them.  I must also say that I sorry to Ms. McHugh for her loss.  My God keep him and bless him.

This picture makes me wonder what he died for.  One can use the esoteric answers of his country and his duty, but what did he really die for?  It is a question that I have been wrestling with for a year now, and I still do not have a good answer for it.  I question strongly if our President is right in putting American lives at risk.

This photo shows the true price and damage of this on going war that seems to have no end and no worth while goals.  we see 100+ people die every month over there now.  As more troops are sent to the middle east, pictures like this will become an epidemic, with loved ones nation wide asking why, and did they actually die for a worthy cause or for the amibtions of a warmonger.

"Jesus wept"

"No one can ever estimate the terrible suffering incident to.....wars across the globe. Lives numbered in the millions have been lost. The terrible wounds of war have left bodies maimed and minds destroyed. Families have been left without fathers and mothers. Young people who have been recruited to fight have, in many instances, died while those yet alive have had woven into the very fabric of their natures elements of hatred which will never leave them. The treasure of nations has been wasted and will never be recovered"

As evidenced by the number of posts on this photo, it's a chilling take on the empirical reality of war  Very explicitly defines the after effects of war.  

What this photograph doesn't show is the family that would have been, the children  and grandchildren of these two young people.  It's what might have been that's more disturbing than this photo and this photo is very disturbing.

Someone, somewhere grieves like this woman for their loved one and the war that took them.  

This picture strikes a chord of course. This shows that she is experiencing a lot of sadness at the loss of her fiance. This make me think about all the families who have lost ones in the war. I agree that it has to have another way to solve whatever is going on in Iraq that having another son sacrified.

President Bush and his crew need to print and keep this picture on their desks as a reminder of what their ambitions have cost.  This poor young man served well and gave his life. His family, his fiance, lost a piece of theirs forever.  While I love my country I have to ask "What for?" And every day as we view the reports, the answer to that question becomes more and more elusive.    

This picture should be required viewing for everyone in the Bush administration and in Congress.  They sent Sgt. Regan to die, and people like this woman who pay the price.  Those who started (and continue) this war shattered her life and thousands of others.  Shame on them all.

I am an Army widow who knows the pain this young girl is feeling, but I do not think the picture is appropriate. Perhaps because I am of an older generation, I feel she should have been dressed more modestly, and her grief should not have been displayed so publicly.  Some of the blogs say she knew she was being photographed and had agreed to it, which in my opinion, if it is true, it cheapens the moment and makes one wonder whether it was staged.  Perhaps I have grown cynical, but it begs the question of who profited from the publication of this photo.  I mean no disprespect to the young lady or her fallen hero, but I do question the appropriateness of the photo.

As a recent Iraq veteran my heart goes out to Mary.  We as soldiers defending our nation and interests have taken an oath, this oath many American will never take.  I have an immeasurable love for the United States and those who believe in it.  Those that do not I ask why are you here?  James I say Thank you and I salute you.  For all those that will not ever take that oath I ask, “What have you done for someone else without reward?”

This photo is like the one in WWII of Iwo Jima. We wanted victory then.  This one depicts what we feel today, loss, pain, and suffering.  She was his lover, he is slain, and she wishes to lay with him again.  How appropriate for her to stretch out on the ground above his grave and tell him how deep her heart aches because she can not hold him.  The earth separates them now as the distance to Iraq did before.  We may honor him as a hero but she honors him as a MAN.  I believe she honors him well.  We thank you Mary for allowing us to see your heart and soul.  We should sing ballads about this photo of her grief. May Jesus comfort them both.

This photo is incredibly moving.  It gives me pause as the tears steam down my cheeks.  The sacrifice that Mary and others like her and their families are enduring for the freedom of my family and others around the world is incredibly humbling and deserves our praise.  Thank you Mary and all the other families and loved ones that have made this ultimate sacrifice.

Mary,  I'm so sorry this happened to you and your fiance.  You both had a bright future, and now you have to go on alone, living for both of you, carrying him with you in your heart.  The ones we love never really leave us...they're there every time we think of them.  I know your time with him will make you stronger and better than you would've been without knowing him.  There are no words that will make this easier, but please know that whether or not people support the continuation of this war, they all respect the men and women whose beliefs, values, and ethics that lead them to a life of service and honor  your sacrifice, his family's, and his.  God bless.

This is a very poignant image.  Very personal.  But I'm assuming you got Mary's permission to shoot and publish it, so I have no qualms about it being here.  

It is an image of value and worth viewing.  It can't help but make the viewer do some reflection and that's a good thing.

My heart aches for her and her lost love.  I pray God's grace will carry her and restore her.

Very touching image. Not much more can be or should be said.

Make sure you tell your "significant other" how much you love them, every day. Mary will never again have the opportunity.

"Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better." -Ecclesiastes 7:3
War is hell on any nation and any people. But the conflict does for the heart of a nation and its people what nothing else in life can do. Only God can take a broken heart and a deeply sad countenance and make the heart better.

"The most disadvantageous peace is better than the most just war."
-- Desiderius Erasmus

F your god he started this.

I think this photo is of historical importance.  Like many of the other images that make up America's photo album.  It takes us right back to that moment in time. To me, she had no enery left to stand or kneel to pray.  The war has made all of us exhausted, but we still pray.

As a former Canadian Field Artillery Soldier and wife of a retired United States Army Officer my heart goes out to that young lady and my prayers are with her.

There is never enough time to spend with those we love and there is just something fundamentally wrong when young people lose their lives for whatever cause.

I can only hope and pray that he rests in peace and that she will find consolation in the fact he died proudly representing a country, people and family that he loved.

"No one prays harder for peace than the soldier in combat."

This photo will be a Pulitzer Prize winner.  Unfortunately, that will be of very little little comfort for Mary McHugh or for Sgt. Regan's friends and family.  I hope someone sends George Bush a framed copy to sit on his desk at the Oval Office.

Leave the poor young lady alone in her depths of sorrow.  We ALL deal with death in our own way.  Give her a break.  She appears to only be trying to be as close to him as possible.

If some have made this photo nasty in thoughts - shame on you for where YOUR mind is!

I am the mother of a soldier. My son is 24. When I saw this picture it moved me to tears and stirred my soul. It wakes you up to reality. What a loss, what pain? It evoked in me a small portion of the pain I would feel if my son were suddenly to be taken away from me , especially on foreign soil.Death is so final. My brother died in vietnam when I was fifteen. He had a fiance. We remained best best friends with her new family( husband and three daughters)A picture speaks a thousands words. We (the American public) needed to see this hurt this young woman feels, we need to pray for our soldiers and the ones they leave behind.Nothing could tell the story better than this.Thank you for sharing.God bless America!!  

Mary's pain is so visible.  Her loss just speaks volumes without a word being said.  She has not only lost her future husband but all the hopes and dreams they both shared for their future life together.  My heart goes out to her in this time of sorrow.  

One can only pray that this war will do some good that clearly isn't evident now.  

joejersy is an jerk for his comment and bush and cheney should be in prison for murder and facing the death penalty.

President Bush.....May God have mercy on your soul.

This photograph depicts the heart wrenching grief so many Americans feel.
This photo should be used historically to express the grief and loss of this war.

The audio clip that accompanies this image is very touching as well.  

My boyfriend is soon to enter the Army, and we have used those exact same words: "We have all the time in the world"  hundreds of times.  This reminds me how easily our lives could change in a fraction of a second, and how we are at the will of others.  May our leaders bring our soldiers home soon, and may God protect them in the mean time.  

I wouldn't even want to try to imagine her pain.  It would be too frightening.

Why isn't he held accountable for all the lives that have been lost?  All the families shattered?  

BUSH & HUSSEIN...the only difference is SADDAM has paid the ultimate price for the innocent lives that he took!    

 Sorrow, pride, and rage. I feel very deeply for her terrible loss and yet proud that Regan was so brave to go fight four times. Rage because these people hate us so much when America has done so much for so many and asked for so little. We have lost 100's of thousands of our very best so others can be free. God bless America, the others, well they can go pound sand for all I care.

Words pale by comparison when trying to rationalize the meaning of this womans loss. Our government is run by very rich white males who have the power to send less fortunate young men and women to their death for America's persuit of money and resources that don't belong to this country. As Americans we get taged with the lable of Police to the world. One day those who hide behind wealth, power, and political connections will suffer the same losses in the after life that they have caused in the hear and now.

May God bless this broken hearted woman.

This photo brings sorrow to me, because of all the soldiers who fight for us. As for the women, the sorrow and hurt she's going thru i do not touch,your in everyones prayers who has commented this photo....For the Soldiers....THANK YOU.!!!

Even though I have never experienced this kind of pain I can feel hers through this picture.  Just as we should never take our freedom for granted, we should never take those fighting for it for granted either.  They pay the ultimate sacrifice so that we can be FREE! Leaving behind loved ones to suffer the heartache this woman is now having to carry the rest of her days. May God rest his soul and surround her with peace only He can provide.

Some of us hear about the so called war in Iraq on the radio and see extracts on tv but never understood the gravity.  Here is a very young lady grieving for her loved one.  Poor sister and daughter - Take heart my dear.  Lord forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.  I'm of conservative persuation but not as far as war and killing for any reason. Many americans and Iraquians have died and still dying worthlessly.  We Americans can no longer travel across the world freely, because everyone think we are evil.  Enough is enough.  Stop the so called war now!!!!  I am aware that this comment may not be published but I have to say that I disagree with this war so that the ALLMIGHTY LORD understand that millions of us (Americans) are speaking out and are against war for any reason.
Thanks and God Bless us all.    

As moving and heart wrenching as this picture is, it should not have been taken.  This was this womans private time grieving for her fiance. To have the picture taken just seems disrespectful to me.  

God is Love and He suffers too.  I thank the soldiers and their families and loved ones who suffer this great pain for everyone's liberty and freedom.  We need and have better vehicles than Humvees which would protect the soldiers better and hence there would be less death.  But we also need better diplomats and diplomacy to stop the countries who are sending the insurgents to cause this devastation not only to our OWN but to the innocent victims in those countries as well.  God bless the soldiers, the widows and widowers, and their families and God Bless America.  But do not be deceived God does not and did not start Wars.  Humans do and it is tragic and wrong.  My prayers are with this family and all of these families. I am so sorry for their pain.

May the holy sprirt bring you peace Mary. I can't even begin to express my heartache for you during this time. He is a true American Hero. You are a true American Hero. Thank you.

I can't even begin to express my own heartache that I'm feeling for you at this moment. Mary, my prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow. He is a true American Hero. You are a true American Hero. Thank you.

"When will we ever learn...????"

All I can think really when looking at this picture is how I hope that this will not happen to me one day.  As a fiance of a Marine who was deployed, those long months while they are gone seem like every day is the last.  My worst fear was a knock at the door or a phone call.  This young woman lost everything that I hope I never have to lose, but for those in this situation, it helps me know their not alone.  

I tried to put myself in her position but was unable to fathom the terrible pain that she must have felt from having her love one snatched from her in such a cruel manner at such an early age, with so much hope, now turned to despair. I could feel her ovewhelming sadness and felt as she wanted to get closer to her love one. I will keep Mary in my prayers always, that God may bring healing to her and somehow reward her for her terrible loss. May God bless the fallen and every single person in harms way. - A Vietnam Vet.

When her pain becomes our own and people no longer hide behind yellow ribbons and false patriotism, maybe we will stop fighting corporations' battles for them and turn around and shout no more war...

This photo rips my heart out. You can see her letting the earth support all the weight on her shoulders.

As the mother of a son who served in Iraq for a year, I can feel her pain in the way she gives her whole self to his grave.  The loss of one soldier only counts once on the rolls, but should count again and again for every life that is changed because he did not return.

We must remember . . . "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke

This photograph is an emotional record of the sacrafice we make for our individual freedoms.  This photo reminds the world that war has a cost.  Her pain, sorrow, and anguish of lost love and a life together never to be lived shakes my soul. I will always remember, Ms. McHugh lying upon the grave of her fallen fiance in Arlington, with swollen eyes.

Sgt. Regan is a hero and should be remembered always.

"We fight for those who can't or won't . . . and so others will not need to." - a marine

I would be at my man's grave day and night doing the exact same thing. I worry every day that I will never see him. I can't wait for him to come home from Iraq. This picture touched me very very deep. I feel Mary's pain and don't see anything wrong with this
picture. I am so sorry Mary.

I can not remember another photo making me cry the way this photo did.  Her loss would make some sort of sense if the war made sense, but it doesn't.  Our leaders created a hopeless war with no achievable objective where there was no war before.  Please do not vote for leaders full of catchy patriotic phrases and low intelligence  The cost is just too much.

As an Army fiancee myself, with my solider in Iraq right now this photo spoke to me... While I don't know exactly what Mary is going through, I understand the love that she has for her fiance and it hurts my heart to see this picture... To know that anything can happen at any time. I put myself in her shoes for a moment and I would probably be doing the same thing she is.  Laying there... honoring my fallen hero. Mary is a brave woman... one of many, many women who has lost their love in this war...

Sadness beyond words. The human race will never learn the lessons of history.

To: CW and joejersey. Have you no sense of decency? Have you no respect?
My heart weeps for your loss Mary.

Makes me cry. My prayers are with Mary and her family, as well as anyone that knows someone brave enough to serve our country. I come from a military family and can't thank our soldiers enough for fighting a war we should have never been involved in.

All though this is a personal moment, this woman was interviewed as well so it's not like the photographer was there taking advantage of a "great shot". That's the art of photography, being able to capture a moment (whether it's happy, sad, public, personal, etc) that allows the viewer to feel the emotions in the picture. I feel that was done here, but even if that is the case there is no picture or action that will truely honor our fallen soldiers.

This is a very touching photograph.  My father recently passed and by laying on the ground at his grave is also my way of feeling closer to him.  My father served in the United States Air Force in the 60s, and he was very proud to have done that.  I feel for Miss McHugh and I can understand her actions.  Please know that your fiance is with you all the time.  You are lucky to have an angel like that looking down upon you.  I know my angle, my Dad, is always with me. Believe    

Mary , to me represents this great lady , our country that has fallen by a graveside of tears and human waste.if this war is so important, why are not the governments highest elected officals crying at the headstones of their sons and daughters that have been so brave to give the ulitmate sacrifice? why should they have to return 4,5,6, times to fight? our gov't has lead us into dark and sad times. i am sorry for your loss and for mine....  

Intimacy and love are not victim to death - the incredible closeness of spirit portrayed here is tangible to me.  One can almost hear her talking to him and somehow, you want to believe he can 'hear' her words and she can feel his presence in her heart.

It will take a while to clear both that image and the Decemberists' "Yankee Bayonet" out of my head.

Your tax dollars at work.

I am married to a retired US Navy veteran, my children were born in Navy hospitals, I had 9 uncles who served in World War II, one was a prisoner of war in Japan, my father was a medic in France and Germany. I had a 21 year old uncle who was killed in Korea and another uncle who was killed by a train trying to make his way home on leave. I had a close friend who was killed in Viet Nam. I have two sons. I am proud of the folks in my family and life who have put their lives on the line defending America. I do not believe in this war, I do not believe that our young men and women should be sacrificing their lives while the men of Iraq stand on street corners watching our young men and young women patrol and fight in their streets. This picture should never have to be repeated. How many times will it be repeated before someone stops this tragic, senseless loss? All the young men and women at war, and their families and loved ones are in our prayers.

I know she feels like a part of her is gone forever, buried there in that grave. I wish I could embrace her. This photograph shows us the pain felt by casualties of war.

Dear Fighters of Freedom don't give up
we all need you!

The Heart breaking sadness and Beauty
of this picture words can never describe

This picture should be highly prized!!!

First, may the soul of James Regan rest in peace in the arms of our eternal Father.  Second, may all the angels and saints and friends on earth come to comfort Mary and James' parents and family in their time of unspeakable anquish, bereavement and loss. Third:  May every American say a quiet prayer of thanks for the sacrifice made by James (no love is greater than this, that a man lay down his life for another). Fourth:  Let us never forget that all of us can view this sad and poignant photo in the peace of our homes and offices, we can go and have dinner with our families and tuck our kids into bed and go to sleep wihout care for a knock on the door in the middle of the night, because of the sacrifice made by this soldier and his brothers laying in that field in Virginia.  They are redwoods compared to us.

I wish this picture could be put on a billboard facing Bush's office. He needs to see and feel the anquish that his foolish incursion into Iraq has caused to this nation.

And for what?

Heartbreaking. I can't begin to imagine her sorrow or loss, yet my heart aches for her. What a vivid reminder to all that our men and women are dying over there and changing the lives of their loved ones forever.  

So,so sad and so,so young.

The sadest and most poignant picture I have ever seen.

My goodness...This picture just stabbed me in the heart.  I would never want to go through such terrible heartache.  She truly felt TRUE LOVE.  

Awesome picture...

The country has been at war almost for the entire BUSH presidency.  Can one believe anything the BUSH administratiion tells the people?  This picture show's the devistation caused when someone is lost due to the war (conflict). We are in this war because of lies that seem to be forgotten (weapons of mass destruction).  
My prayers go out to all who serve and their families.  BRING OUR TROOPS HOME!

This picture struck me where this picture needs to strike others. When I saw this picture I felt pain and sorrow. There are many people dying in this war leaving many many families and loveone lives completely disrupted. Never forget the forgotten.

Yes, as one comment crudely put it, "she is hot." Of course, she is--she wants to make love someone who has been cruelly, violently taken from her. Look at her embracing the earth where her lover lies. "How many deaths will it take till he knows that too many people have died?"  
Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind" and this picture says it all.  I agree--This ought to be on a billboard where the people who order our troops to war can see it every day. God bless you, Mary. When these loving, caring thoughts of total strangers are no longer available to her or to us, she will live with this all her life. Peace be with you, Mary.

It says that too many loved ones are being lost in a war that means nothing. Thank you to those families, and to the warriors themselves, for sacrificing.

I can only cry.
Youth and war, innocent lost.

I thank our soldiers for their chosen sacrifice for us. Because of their sacrifices over the many decades I can have the freedom as a woman to go to college, fight for my rights, and tuck my children in bed without worrying about someone taking me to jail during the night for no reason. I dont have to walk down the street with my head covered and be abused with nowhere to turn. Thankyou that I have several grocery stores to choose from. Thankyou that I have a place to turn to when I'm poor and hungry. Thankyou American soldier for my freedom to walk anywhere and make my life whatever I want it to be. Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou. Your chosen sacrifice will never be forgotten. There are no words to articulate your bravery and honor for our nation.

This picture grips my heart and my heart goes out to her. I want to cry. It is a beautiful picture and does not dishonor our soldiers. We honor them by remembering...
I realize there are so many conflicted opinions about the war. What is the answer to aftermath of 911? I hear unconstructive criticism about our President with opinions that forget that we have a congress that has made votes to support him and to keep troops there. What is the answer to middle eastern reasoning that thinks we have no virtue as a nation? Let's not be blind to think another attack won't happen. Our leadership does care. This is the most painful,difficult position to be in - in the entire world. There are no easy answers. The next time WE ARE attacked, it won't be the President's fault - it's a philosophy from another nation that hates deomocracy and everything we stand for.

It indeed is a heartbreaking photo, and yet there are others in our country who feel the same pain for their loved ones are gone b/c of a war we have no business being in.  I wonder what our president would say regarding this photo.

One of the most stirring pictures I have seen in a long time.  Thank you for sharing it. My heart goes out to that woman and to anyone else who has lost someone to war. It belongs on the front page of newspapers and magazines everywhere.

War is not the answer. People of the world do not naturally hate each other, it’s the leaders, clerics and politicians everywhere who are to blame.  I’m honored and grateful for this mans ultimate sacrifice and our troops every where, but it makes me angry that they are necessary at all.  There has to be a better way but people in power will never seek it out. A true human tragedy in all aspects.

Very sad, brings tears to my eyes, it really shows there is no winner to war, everyone gets hurt!

Even if I was not a mother of a Marine who has been to Iraq and came close to being in Arlington himself, this photo would touch my heart with great emotion for this young woman, who has lost someone she loved so dearly -- and for all the families and friends of everyone who has been lost -- and bravely given of themselves in a way no one else ever will.  May God be with all our military men and women serving everywhere.

These young men and women are the future of our country. What will become of our country, our beliefs and our American way of life without these brave young men and women who stand so bravely for the true American? My prayers are always for the ones still there. May God keep you safe and bring you home to your loved ones. My heart cries for the the ones we have lost. May you rest safely in Gods arms. My heart cries for the families and their indescribable lose, I pray for your consolation. And I pray "Please God let this war be over soon".

This photo is beautiful. It really expresses the loss in war and the mourning that loved ones need to go  through in order to recover.It says alot and gets the message across.

I cried with her.  I felt her sadness, her missing him, her despair.

It is too personal, infringement of privacy. Should not have been taken.

Firstly, Rob from Pensacola FL couldnt be more wrong.  It is INDEED our grief to bear.  He obviously has not lost anyone to this war.  It is a damnable shame and should be a public outcry.  We get the news today just as we did some 40 years ago with Walter Cronkite, Chet Huntley and David Brinkley bringing the body bag count each evening.  This picture tells a story of what could have been for this young woman and the man she loved, loves and lost.  Possible children, grand children...the possibilites are endless.  How dare someone say it isnt our grief to bear.  You better belive it is.

my husband is in Iraq for the 2nd time, it's hard to view this pictures. I feel her sorrow, I'm leaving to Iraq this sunday and I know god is with us. may god bless all my brothers and sisters in Iraq doing the right thing for the Iraqis.

As the mother of an American soldier, this photo ripped my heart out.

My heart hurts for this young woman who has had her life with someone she so obviously loved cut short.  I am FURIOUS with the administration that put her fiancee in harms way.  We went to Iraq under false pretenses, and now we stay for more of the same.  I suggest that Bush and Cheney invest their daughters as a show of good faith for the path they've chosen.  Let's see how long before the war ends then.

Incredible unspoken emotion from this one picture.

May the hand of God protect ours and our familes if you're close to someone or related to someone in the forces.

These people are protecting our liberties and freedom for us and future generations.

They are our friends and family, our  brother, sister, son or daughter.  

We must all stand together.

This photo gripped my heart.. My fiancee is over there right now. I worry about him every day and seeing pictures like this makes me mourn for them and their loss. It saddens me to think that someone will never see their loved one again. But I am honored that these brave men and women will lay down their lives for us. God bless the men and Women of the United States military and their families.

I am sorry, Mary. This picture is one of many things that have made me realize how wrong it is to try to forget the war is happening, in response to all of the cynicism, sharp accusations regarding motives, and the moral questions surrounding it.  In the dust of the debate about whether or not this war is ultimately going to save and improve more lives (through reducing terrorism and establishing freedom from murderous, inhumane, women-hating dictatorship) than it takes through the steep costs along the way, soldiers who believe it is worth the cause are dying. ... Soldiers who want to protect their family's, friends'  and all of our freedoms -- and give freedom to those abroad -- are dying for this self-sacrificing commitment.  And their families and friends are hurting immeasurably.  
I am humbled and saddened that I have been so calloused and purposefully distant from these deaths, partly stemming from the ambiguity clouding the wisdom of this war and even worse because I didn't want to be troubled by it.  No, we should not let this pain and loss destoy all enjoyment of our freedoms (the soldiers wouldn't want that) but my prayer is that in the future I will be entirely more grateful for soldiers past and present who have fought and are still fighting - willing to sacrifice everything - for others.  This is beautiful and tragic, and makes me want to live a more self-sacrificing, others-loving life here in a country that is, for now, relatively safe and good. Thank you, soldiers.  May God give us all wisdom, and may we seek peace while knowing that in a world infected by evil we may have to fight certain forms of that evil to uphold that which is good.  May God comfort and strengthen and give joy once again through Himself to the hearts of all those deeply affected, here and abroad, American and non-American.

Anyone who thinks that the photographer, John Moore "made a buck" off of Mary's sorrow- just so you know, it is illegal to use a photo of a person (WITH her name in the caption, mind you).  Oh, & the audio doesn't say anything about him "clumsily" integrading himself- so I don't know what you were listening to.  His voice is very shaky & you can tell that he is still moved by this meeting with Mary.  We all feel her pain and that includes John Moore.

The longer I looked at this photo, more and more tears flowed. Not only for the individual sacrifice and those left behind in her situation, but that similar stories and situations apply to all of the other gravestones as well. No one should question her motivation for her method of showing her grief --

Someone had mentioned the phrase "Freedom isnt free". I dont think that the phrase is used in any attempt to lessen the sorrow for loved ones who have lost, but more for those who are actually out there doing jobs and to try to help those of us who are not there (or who dont have jobs such as they do) to understand why, and what they do. A prideful boast? At times. A catch phrase? Perhaps. But notever a catchy slogan. I have not seen one sailor, soldier, marine, or any such armed forces person who hasnt used it or who has despised the phrase.

Now...all of that being said....I do think it is a slightly approriate phrase for this picture. I thikn it is serves as a reminder for those who dont have a loved one fighting in the war to remember. I think it brings it more to a personal level for many who rather prefer to not think about it or deal with what is going on outside of their own neighborhoods.

The photo never could have been published using her name without her permission and I think it was very brave of her to share this very intimate and moving moment with the world.

STOP THE INSANITY!!!!

Mary is a member of my community and I know of her through someone very special to me.  This picture is only a drop in the bucket of the grief that she is feeling.  Her love for Jimmy is boundless and their future has been altered forever.  Those who think that her position the ground is appropriate have no heart and you should be ashamed when you criticize how someone grieves.  Please leave her alone and be thankful that you do not have such hurt in your heart and life.

Do not measure your loss by itself; if you do, it will seem intolerable; but if you will take all human affairs into account you will find that some comfort is to be derived from them.

Saint Basil (329 AD - 379 AD)

We as a nation have grown numb to the daily death toll on the nightly news.  I remember thinking as a college student that I could not believe the death toll was over a thousand.  Now, it is well over three thousand.  Those are people spouses, sons and daughters, fathers and mothers.  This picture reiterates this fact.  Every life that is lost was special, and this picture brings tears to my eyes.  I only wish that there was an end to this war in sight.

If this picture doesn't touch your soul, nothing will.  My only hope is that it touches the souls of the people responsible for sending our children to war, and makes them realize that this war is wrong!

keithb, thank you SO much for providing that obit.  Clearly, Ranger Regan's family is not alone in their loss.  The entire country will miss such an extraordinary man.  We need more like him.

I want our people home.  NOW.

Being that I am active duty military, and see pain like this, it truly does hurt my heart and makes me want to cry as well. I have to say that the military spouses are heroes as well! They have to deal with so much, and still stay strong!!

I teared up and then I got mad.  

My husband was in Desert Storm while our son was born...now that son is 16 years old.   I find it beyond sad that my son may have to face what is happening in the Middle East when he reaches 18.  

I support our troops but I don't support an on-going death toll.  I don't see George W's children over there fighting, do you?  It has to stop sometime.  

My heart breaks for Mary and James and what could have been.  He served his country with pride and honor and paid the ultimate price.  God Bless to both of you.  

True, the photo is emblematic of the countless young women whose true loves gave the ultimate sacrifice. But it transcends wartime.

I remember feeling the same way when my brother, a police officer, was killed in the line of duty. A part of me wanted to just jump in the hole and be buried with him. His death was high profile, and I my photos appeared in the newspapers. But like this photo, they were done tastefully, thoughtfully, and discretely.

I speak as someone who has experienced it--photos like this help others to understand our grief and to share in our loss. Through this photo, we can feel the love and loss of Mary, and can value the selflessness of James--two people we would not have otherwise met.

June 6 2007...63 years later D-Day find the cost of Freedom buried in the ground Mother Earth will swallow you lay your body down.
The Military Industrial Complex juggernaut rolls on...those of you who voted for this administration are responsible for these deaths "you" are war criminals. I served in SEAsia 72-73
it is the same old story, it is all  about "POWER" they  will not be happy
until they blow up the world! I have
58K good friends on the Wall in DC.

Oh BOO HOO!!!!  We started a war and now we're sad because a few thousand of our soldiers are dead.  That's what soldiers do, folks.  That is their purpose.  On the other hand, 600,000 Iraqi CIVILIANS are dead as a result of our occupation of their country.  

Tears,sadness,my heart hurts for her. I know how it feels to lose someone you love at a young age. Her life will never be the same. Tears roll down my face as if it were yesterday. The photo had to be taken. Let the world see what this war is doing to Americans.

Absolutely heart breaking. Been there.  The emptiness, pain never go away but get easier to live with over time.  God bless you sweetheart.

This picture says so much, lets appreciate those who are given their lives for our freedom.

The price of freedom is great. Our nations greatest and youngest heroes are taken. When will we as a nation pick up the torch of peace....how many more must die before the greed of the corporations that run this country are brought under control.

All I can say is may Mary soon find peace. May all our prayers be with her and help her be stronger.

I can't even begin to imagine what it would feel like to lose my husband. He and my son are my life.

This picture sure made me stop and think just how lucky I am. And how easy it is to take life for granted.

"Mary, I am so sorry for your loss. May you find strength and hope in these thoughts of people around the world."

Everyone has nothing but sympathy for this woman, but I say she's partly to blame for her own sorrow. She chose to get involved with a military man and she chose to marry him, knowing full well that in a time of war he could be killed at any moment. Yes, the soldiers fighting this war need to be remembered, but why do we make such a big deal about the families of those who died when they put themselves in this position in the first place? The same applies to spouses of firemen and police officers. The implication is clear - if you get involved with a military man, policeman, fireman or anyone who does a dangerous job you shouldn't be at all surprised by the outcome, whatever it may be!!!

From the picture, I can almost feel her pain.  It breaks my heart.

God bless our soldiers and their families. This is heart breaking. My sister is in Iraq and I pray everyday her unit, herself and all the soldiers will come home safe.

Profound sadness.  This is the most heart wrenching photo I have seen. Her profound grief is shown so pointedly that tears instantly came to my eyes. God Bless you Mary as you try to move on from what would have been.

I can't remember a picture that has touched me in such a powerful way.  I think that if one listens to the commentary they would know that the photojournalist that took this had all the respect in the world for this young woman, and more than likely had her permission.  Four tours in three years is a huge loss, but then to have a loved one die is beyond words.  Aside from the tremendous grief I feel for this woman, I feel even more disgust with the inhumane behavior of our current administration.  I find Bush's words about the "Axis of Evil" ironic, Bush Chaney and Rice are an axis of evil unto themselves.  

This photo caught my attention immediately.Very Sad.I think President Bush should hang this in the Oval Office,look at it everyday and ask himself,"How long can I let this go on?".

This is a very heart moving picture. May GOD's peace be with you Mary McHugh. In Jesus Name I pray.

My heart breaks for this young woman.  May she feel the support and prayers of all who have viewed this picture and wish her blessings and strength to cope with her pain and loss.  

I see no disrespect in this picture, only love for the man she lost.  My heart goes out to her and those who have loved ones overseas.  My nephew served over there 1 tour, and by the grace of GOD came home safely.  My GOD bless her and give her peace.

Mary will heal in her own time in her own way.  In order to heal we must mourn in our own way.  God bless you Mary.

Father God You are a gentle healer.
God, Bless Mary

Trying to get as close as she can to the one she loves but cannot hold any more.

This is an absolute tribute to our fallen troops.  To those who see this as an invasion of privacy, if you listened to the photographer's commentary you would have learned he had her permission to share in this moment with her.  This is not an invasion of privacy, this is Mary's way of declaring to the world her love for Jimmy.  She has lost the part of her future that can never be replaced.  We are honored to share in this moment with her.  This nation must embrace moments like this to realize that we must honor our brave soldiers for paying the ultimate price for our freedom.  I pray that God gives her peace and that this picture speaks to all those who see it and share in her moment.  Mary, you are in our hearts and prayers.  Your loss will never be forgotten.

I know exactly what Mary is going through...my fiance is not buried at Arlington, but he is buried back in our hometown. I've spent many times at his grave just as she does with James. May he rest in peace and may she find the strength to make it through each day....

It just makes me so sad to think that she will never know the life they would have had together. I have a 19 year old son who is considering joining the Marines.
I know what it's like to loose your parents, that is something you expect, I can't imagine the pain of loosing someone so young, someone you thought you were spending the rest of your life with.

When are we going to bring our young men and women home?

I don't think the question is if this picture appropriately honors our war dead? Or does it say something else?
What we should ask is, do we think it was appropiate for the photographer to take her picture and then publish it??I feel like he invaded her space.

To quote CW: "She's out of her mind.  Really embarrassing photo."

CW,
Why don't you lose someone you love in this war and see how "embarrassing" it is to throw yourself on their grave like that.  The last thing you really worry about is what you look like to others.  I suggest you get a heart before you comment on anything else requiring one.  
All my sympathy and love goes to you, Mary, and to the rest of James' family.  He's got so many blessings in heaven now.

You find the cost of freedom buried in the ground...CSN&Y
So many have given so much. As a veteran you never get used to it.  You do remember, and you try not to waste the life you have been given.  My heart goes out to this young lady, she too has paid a great price.
Remember those fallen, and those who stand and watch right now for all those who enjoy liberty.
Don

This is the story of so many lives that are broke because of this senseless war. My heart literally breaks for her and ALL the soldiers that have sacrificed their own lives in the line of duty. You all will never be forgotten. Please everyone Vote and raise your voice for these families that are left behind. We need to end this catastrophe in Iraq and Afghanistan NOW. We are the voices.

Hopefully, by this time next year our brave men and women will be home from around the world where we are not wanted or needed and the government will shift their valuable resources to strengthing our country from within.  As we have sought to help/convert others to our way of life we are imploding.  What about
US?  Think what 600 billion could have done to make us stronger from within.

The man she loved is dead.  The dreams they shared died with him, they will never have that marriage, that house, that child...the finality of death and the grief that goes with that transends the views we have about war.  Anyone who has loved and lost knows her grief, no matter how the loss happened.

My thougths and prayers are with Mary, and all of those who have lost loved ones in defense of our nation. Both of my parents are burried at Arlington. It is a sacred place.

This guy was a former Duke lacrosse player.  He gave up a scholarship for law school to join the military after September 11th.  God bless this family and friends...

It shows how much she has lost.

I cannot even begin to imagine her pain. As I get ready to see my soon to be husband go back to Iraq, the fear of him not coming back strikes the deepest parts of my soul.
I hope this picture brings more gratitude to those that may not know what it is like to sacrife all for this nation. May God bless this woman and all our troops along with the familes that wait for them.
~A soon to be military wife

All I can do is weep with her!  And mourn.  It is obvious she has lost her best friend - I feel helpless.  Helpless watching what I feel I cannot stop or change!

For your one brave personal moment shared with us, Mary McHugh, I bring to you the words that my Dad brought to me when we had lost a loved one in our family:  We are all like water.  we take the shape of liquid, ice or steam. Living is what changes us; but somehow thru it we remain the same: water.  
For every tear your heart sheds, and with gratitude for what you loved one gives us.thank you for sharing Mary.

Love and Sadness beyond words. May God gives courage and happiness to this brave yound Lady

The main thing I take from this picture is the reality of war - it's the ultimate failure of the human race that we must set upon each other like animals to destroy and kill - I grieve along with this poor woman, yet the loss of life in any conflict is easier to bear if we believe the sacrifice is worth the price - sadly, and tragicly, this war is not - it has been a colossal, stupid mistake we never needed to have made, and this image captures the reason why.

It made me cry and morn for all of our dear soldiers and their families...my heart aches. Heavens newest angels have arrived.

This photo is very troubling and heartbreaking for me.  I keep asking myself how many more of our troops must die before our President admits his mistake.  Everyday I read on the internet and in the news of those who have been maimed and killed and for what.  I remeber when ABC interveiwed a Marine colonel just as he was leaving Iraq.  They asked him if he felt that his men had fought and died for a worthy cause.  He said that he hoped so but he was no longer sure.  That is a sad day when a Marine, who are our strongest and fiercest soldiers cannot say anymore if he feels the cause is worth it.  I see that many of the dead are in my age group of 18 to 25 and I am so sad.  They have just begun to experience life and all those possibilities are lost.  Our President keeps asking us to stay the course and yet it is easy for him to say.  None of his children are in the service and in Iraq or Afghanistan and could die.  How many more people have to endure what this young lady has endured.  Though sadly I fear that until we have a new President it is likely that more of our military and their families will have to endure what she is suffering.

Bless her broken heart.  She is one of the many, many victims of this war.  

My sons are in the Army.  Freedom isn't free, but unnecessary war is costly.  Stop the politicians; pray for peace.  

Iraq is not our war.  Iraqis do not value democracy, freedom, or life.  They value control, hatred, and death.  Why do we shed the blood of our very brave and dutiful soldiers for Islamic idiocy and savagery?  America hasn't lost; the Iraqis lost.  They need to step up to the challenge or keep killing each other.  What a waste...

Our soldiers have served our country valiantly, it is the Iraqis who have squandered a rare opportunity for life.  So be it.  Bring us home, so we have no more of our young women grieving for their lost love.

my fiance is in Baghdad right now... this photo moves me to tears because i know that this could happen to anyone any day... and it illustrates the thing i fear the most. may god bless this woman and god bless the brave soldiers and marines fighting for our freedom and the freedoms of others.

A beautiful portrait showing that love goes on. I am sure there were scenes portrayed exactly as this one...during and after every war America has fought. God Bless you Mary. God Bless all the soldiers lost to us. Another brave hero, Cpl Joseph Anzack Jr just joined Sgt Regan in Section 60. May God keep you in is loving arms through eternity. Peace.

I lost the love of my life and my best friend to this nightmare in Iraq, he is section 56 of the National Cemetary in Arizona.  When will this end?

Completely Sad and Worthless!  Why??

This picture captures so much that words cannot. May Mary and be blessed and comforted in her extraordinary grief. I pray that we'll bring ALL of our brave men and women home soon.

I think it is a beautiful photo. It needs to win some kind of award. I only wish that President Bush and VP Cheney could feel this young girls pain for just one minute. Maybe they would stop this insanity. I witnessed both planes hitting the WTC from the window in my office, its no longer worth it. Please GOD save us.

As a military wife myself with a husband is about to deploy to Iraq for a 2nd time, my heart goes out to Mary and all military wives. This picture speaks a thousand words and anyone who is not touched by it does not truly understand the sacrifice our military makes for each and everyone one of the citizens of our country.

This photo breaks my heart.

wow im almost speechless from this photo it makes me want to cry seeing how badly this war is affecting others and it inspired me to get out there and make a difference like this man did! and i cant imagine wat this girl is going through but i know someway god will get her through these hard times and see that her fiance is in a better peacefull place now

The price we've paid for this needless war is beyond bearing.

President Bush's gutting of our treasury is as nothing compared to his squandering the lives of our very best and bravest in pursuit of folly. These precious patriots being gambled away like poker chips is a disgrace.

He walks with heroes now, and they will meet again in a place far better than this mortal earth.

God bless them both.

Hoorah, scouts out

My heart goes out to Mary and all of those who are feeling pain like her. We need to honor these heroes everyday and show our support any way we can. My husband just retired from the Navy Seabees after 20 years. We know the pain of being separated and worrying about the ones you know and love in a dangerous place, every single day. I pray every day that no one else has to go through what Mary and hundreds of others are going through. We have to end these continuous deployments and long deployments...it is just too much! My heart is with you Mary.

This photo brought tears to my eyes. My heart goes out to Mary and I know how much she misses her fiance, as I lost my brother not in war time but in a military accident.

Deep sorrow and pain that time won't heal, seems like she is embracing him and crying in his shoulder while he sleeps.... brought me to tears. I am sorry about your loss Mary... May God give you strenght.

I'm certain this woman doesn't feel her fiance was an "acceptable loss".  At what number does the losses become unacceptable? My heart breaks for every person who's lost someone in this mess.  

Its bittersweetly sad.  I'm glad she still loves him.  And it terrifies me that that could eventually be me.  How awful that they weren't yet married.

I can not imagine the pain that this woman and others that have lost loved ones feel.  I say a silent prayer for you. May God be with you and yours during these very difficult times.  I have great respect these people.  May God bless you all.  

This picture is worth far more than a thousand words....

My heart hurts and will until our soldiers come home

This picture puts a human angle to the statistics.  My heart is sad when I look at this because it represents the grief and suffering behind all the numbers we hear on the news.

In the world we live in it very hard to accept the passing away of a loved one. The price of freedom is very expensive and often at times we take it for granted until its too late. Many of our nations military have fallen to preserve our way of life and safety at great expense as they gave thier lives for our freedom. Thier families remain heartbroken and devestated by this great sacarfice.In return we as a thankful nation should remember this allways and open our hearts and hands to thier loved ones to comfort them in these trying times. Remember this, that from dust we came and dust we shall return, we shall allways live on in the hearts  and memories of the ones that remember us, therefor we will allways be here.When I seen this picture and read the story, it made my heart break and I felt a deep sadness, as I it seemed that I can feel her sorrow from here.

It is all the mindless self-satisfied wallowing in the glory of death, war, and sacrifice that makes war so easy for our country as a whole, even as it is so hard on people like the young woman in this photograph.  Everytime one of you idiots says "we thank you" and "God embraces you" and "the saints and angels weep at your empty place at the table," and all of your other juvenile romantic claptrap cliches, another soldier dies because we really don't give a crap when it comes right down to it.  If we did, this so-called "war" (Step 1: Drive around until somebody blows up. Step 2: Repeat Step 1.) would be over already.  Quit "supporting our troops" with your yellow ribbons and get a clue, you smug pseudo-emoters of pseudo-emotions.  Take it from me - all these guys are buried on my property because I thought fighting for the glory of the South was the "honorable" thing to do.

It is more than appropriate, If Mary is okay with this, then all other should be. We here forget about the what other like Mary have lost in this war. Sgt.Regan is a hero, Mary is a hero for allowing us into the most inimate part of her life.

She has lost what would have been her future, I hope she once again can find this kind of love.

Sgt. Regan will always have a place in her heart and this photo will have one in mine.

Though it's not the same kind of love, I just lost my mother. No words can explain the pain & loss you feel. It's like a hole is in my heart and I think about her every day. I lost friends I went to school with during the Vietnam war. The emotion you feel when you trace their name on the memorial wall is still enormous after all these years....I hope she finds peace in time.

The first hearing of the news is like a shock. Emotions shut down. IT can't be real. Then there's the body and the grave and you know he's never coming back, and that things you wanted to say will never be heard. The bleeding agony of having your heart and soul torn from your core comes later.  I can't explain it unless you have grieved till dusk on your heart's grave.  Maybe the song below will help.  It's not original, but ...


I am stretched on your grave and will lie there forever,
With your hands held in mine,I'd be sure we'd not sever.

My apple tree, my brightnees, tis' time we were together,
For I smell of the earth, and am slain by the weather.

When my family thinks I am safe in my bed, from night until morning I am stretched at your head, calling out to the air, with tears both hot wild, oh my grief for the man that I loved as a maid!

The priests and the friars behold me in dread, because I still love you, and my love, you're dead.

And would still be your shelter, from  rain and from storm, but with you in the cold grave, I cannot sleep warm.

                    -Dead Can Dance

I cry with her...you can't help but cry with her sensing the pain she obviously feels but that you could never fully fathom. God be with her

My sister lost her fiance this past December.  He was in the Navy.  For those of you who have not known someone that lost their lives; you have no idea the kind of pain, the feeling of despair.  My entire family will never be the same.  This kind of pain happens every day in this country.  Our pain is unbearable, but to know it happens to so many families every day....you all have NO IDEA!  I am not a Bush fan, but am 1000% behind our troops.  You all are in our minds and NEVER forgotten....

Let us pray for and with Mary...Man's inhumanity to man takes my breath away somethimes.  

I feel that even in looking at the photo, I am intruding on an intensely painful and, as you say, private moment.

If you are looking for viewers to say war is a waste of our youth, I concur.

My stomach is in knots and the tears welled up in my eyes- and I don't know her! What an awesome picture! Really adds that human touch to this war God Bless you Mary you'll be in my prayers!

A most profound work of art.
 The cause and the cost in one frame.

What a powerful statement the picture has made...the only thing missing is the loved ones of each of the headstones behind Jimmy's!!! May peace find it's way into all those hearts that have been shattered for the freedom of us all!!!

Would any of your thoughts change if it were a different gravestone?  Human touch is something that makes you feel whole, free, and loved.  Lying on the ground next to the gravestone to get as close as you can to feel or hear something,if it helps you heal and find closure--the moment is yours.

It is utterly disgusting that the photographer chose to advance his career at Mary's expense.

This photo reminds me that for each of our SOLDIERS, MARINES, SAILORS, and AIRMEN who are no longer with us there is a photo just like this one that was never taken. God bless all of them, their families, and all of our men and women who voluntarily put themselves in harms way. Lord give them strength to carry on.

I'm sad for Mary, but I'm also happy to see it out there. I hope the powers that be sees this picture and rethinks this war. I want to thank every Service Member out there for serving your country and keeping us all safe. I have a child in the military, so I know what it's like to be with a heart full of worry. God Bless All

Amidst the endless rows of identical headstones, we are reminded that each one marks the resting place of an individual human being.  This photo says everything. Not one word is needed.

I have long felt that flags should fly at half staff until our precious children are done dying, as a daily reminder of what is so easy to push to the back of our minds.This photo makes that an idea whose time has come. It hurts my heart as I am reminded of when my new husband left to fulfill his duty in that other far off war of the 60's. Seeing this grieving child took me back instantly to that time when I was so young and feared never seeing my beautiful young man again. I am so sorry, little one. You are now in my mind and on my heart. God bless you.

This is one of the most powerful pictures I've ever seen. It breaks my heart and brought me to tears.

BRING OUR SOLDIERS HOME!

My husband is currently deployed to Iraq and I worry about him every day.  My thought are with Mary and James' family.  

Fallen Hero.  I will always be thankful for laying down your life for my freedom.  My native pride to you on your journey, and have a good one.

The photo shows Mary laying down with Jimmy. She appears to be intimately talking to him about their loss of the life they planned.  Mary's loss is shown clearly and I admire her for not being afraid to show the world her vulnerability.  I sincerely hope her loss is the world's gain because if not then what is the sense of war. Mary, I know you had so much to tell Jimmy.  Thank you for letting me be there with you.  My prayers go to you and Jimmy's loved ones. Did this photo touch my heart and soul?  How could it not!
Connie

This one picture tells the stories of the many hearts that are now jagged shards that have been cast aside and left strewn about the United States of America by a government full of abuses, excuses, and no solutions.  This one picture tells the stories of hopes and dreams destroyed in mid-flight...the promises of Challenger and Columbia, but in this case, James and Mary.  

Mary, may our Lord Jesus Christ give you a new heart.  One that will deliver His Love throughout your mind, body and soul, and allow the unendurable pain to be cleansed from your spirit.

This Photo is heart braking.. I weep inside with her. I know the pain and I can feel the pain of losing a loved one. 9-11 started this war and I wonder if our troops will come home safe to there loved ones, or in a coffin with a flag over it.. It can't replace the person inside. So many has given their life for our freedom and I have high respect for them all, young and old. Women and Men of all ages.They are doing the unthinkable, seeing it and I just pray this will end so we can celebrate and rejoice they are home... and not say "I am so sorry" it doesn't bring them back to life.

This is the tragedy and the sorrow of war, and it has been since the very early beginnings of our great nation...as a memeber of our armed forces I have been honoured to serve with some real heroes... America should realize that the fallen few ARE the sacrifice for THEIR freedom and rights and remember that if we were not in Iraq and Afghanistan today fighting we would be doing it here eventually. This photo depicts that sacrifice as it is happening TODAY in a world that is full of consumate hatred for what our country stands for and the men and women in those graves should not have died in vain... this should be the ultimate goal of our leadership... Great photo, and my heart goes out to the girl in the photo and for her loss and that of the soldiers family.  

I don't know how anyone can appropriately honor the dead.  

This photo shows the senselessness of a soldier's dying.

This picture is about love and the human spirit. May her fiance rest in peace and may this woman always have love and peace in her life.

Sad, but best for all...she'd eventually leave (divorce) him anyway....at least he died with his dignity.

How sad..you know she's just wishing she could lay in his arms, breathe him in one more time.

I grieve for your loss.  In the words of Abraham Lincoln, "I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom."

This pic made my actually shed a tear. I am a veteran of that same war and my heart goes out to that young lady.

This is so sad, It touches my heart. Makes me feel sad and think about what he missed from life, he was so young. True heroes the ones fighting on this war. I just want to say thank you to all of theme and their families who are the ones supporting them. THANK YOU.

There, but for the grace of God, go I.  My heart goes out to this young woman, for the love that she lost, for the future with her Soldier that she no longer has.  I hope that she was able to find some peace on this day.

It's heart wrenching. As a young mother of a 15 month old and 37 weeks pregnant it really touched my heart. I wonder how things could have been for my family...if I'd even have my family...if my husband had made the same sacrifice her fiance did.

I applaude this journalist for taking this photo and publishing it. It's what we need to see -- Please don't stop.

When I seen this , it brought tears to my eyes, and hearing the journalist, talk about his conversation with her. Hearing how they thought they had all the time in the world. I am celebrating a 10 year wedding anniversary today, and even after ten years my husband and I still (as do most) think we have all the time in the world and we have had 10+ years togther. My heart feels for her and all the others that lose someone in such an awful way. They are all heroes in my mind and heart, they are all running into fight when everyone else is running out of the fight. There are special places in heaven for these special people. God bless you Mary, we hope some of this will help ease the pain , even if it is for a breif moment in time.

Seeing her greiving breaks my heart, I feel her loss with her. I pray that she heals from her tragic loss.

May Mary find the strength to push forward. I will pray for her and all the other families suffering from a loved ones passing during this war. When will this end!??

This is another reminder of how easy it is for a President to affect the lives of not only his family, but also the ones doing his dirty work.

such an appropriate action when there are no words. I can feel how she just wants to touch him again. what a waste this war is. when is Bush going to wake up and smell the napalm.
this picture should be on the cover of Life Magazine. God Bless our troops.

I think your question is abusrd.  Of course it properly honors the dead.  I know you are a journalist fishing for controversy about what this photo really says about the war in Iraq, but how do you think a person should react when they lose a loved one? This is the same reaction loved ones of any soldier who has ever died in service of our country have had. Her grief is not a political commentary and I think you are shamefull for implying that it should be.  The press truly has no soul.

Firstly, my heart goes out to the all of the family and loved ones of Sgt. Reagan and all of our men and women in service.  That being said, doesn't it seem odd that there is nobody else at Arlington Cemetary on Memorial Day weekend?  While I am sure her grief is genuine, does anyone else smell a photo op by our wonderful objective press? I am sure she was not part of any set up and would never imply she was, but it seems someone must have yelled "clear the shot" and invaded her private moment.

I empathize with this woman because I to have lost the love of my life to this war.  We are never going to see our loved ones again in this lifetime but someday we will.

A very powerful picture, which shows what troops and families around the world have to go through for every person who dies in each and every war.

I'm Canadian, so the only current war I can relate to is Afghanistan, and every time I see a Canadian come home, I think about situations like these that would happen every time one of our brave soldiers, or even civilians, die in war.

On the ethics standpoint of the picture, I should point out that if she had a problem of him taking pictures, she would have asked for her privacy; she knew that he was media (and chances are, he was carrying his camera), and if she didn't want him to, he probably would have accepted her refusal. I'm glad that she let him though; it really hits home the non-financial cost of war, on both sides, no matter where or how. And I sympathise for her, and every American's loss.

This photo expresses the extreme loss felt when a loved one is lost. She will never again feel his touch or experience the comfort he provided. She obviously yearns to be close to him and this is as close as she can get now. How tragic for her and for the thousands of others who have lost their loved ones.

the photograph is powerful but not just as honoring the fallen...it is a protest against the costs of war.  while it may a private moment, we need to see the loss on a personal level to be reminded of the terrible nature of war lest be be caught up in political or patriotic propaganda

This image will be burned into my heart & mind for the rest of my days. I can truly feel her pain, and I share it with her.

BRING OUR SOLDIERS HOME!

WOW! If we all could love as Mary loves.  What a beautiful demonstration of human love, and conversly, human tragedy.  I don't see the question of "why?" in this picture.  I see "what do I do now without you?".  Mary, never forget him (he is a part of who you are) but live your life to the fullest, honorably, passionately, vigorously and with love for others.  And Mary, Thank You for sharing this moment with us.  This will be one of those photos that carries on and on.

The picture tells the story- May God be with all the military and there families !

No words are really needed. The picture speaks volumes.

This photo shows just how young so many of the people have been through all the wars, when while protecting our freedoms, they gave their life.

This is one of things that brings tears to your eyes and makes you appreciate what you have.

Her beautiful, slim young body just looks anguished...it seems to portray her aching for the future love, dreams, life that might have been. To her fiancee, to her, to all those who give themselves to defend freedom and safety and to eventually bring peace...thank you from the bottom of my and my family's hearts.

It should be enlarged 10 fold, and sent to President Bush.

This picture brought tears to my eyes.  I am also encouraged that we still have heros that beleive "freedom" is not just an American luxury that we alone deserve.   Thank you for allowing your love to fight for everyone's freedom.

Everyone has their oppinions about this picture as I do.  But I believe this shows love, dedication, loss, and honor.  She loves him as he loved her.  She is dedicated to him as he was to her. She misses him as he misses her.  She will honor him as he loved, dedicated and lost his life for many which has brought him honor.

With great respect and appreciation for our freedom and protection.
Lisa Greenville, SC

i wish everyone would quit taking stabs at bush and shut up. instead of complaing.. prey more for these soldiers and the families. This woman makes me very sad, i prey the angels will comfort her and god will lay his healing hands on her and take the pain away. Im glad it was on here it makes me think more about our freedom and who is making it possible!

I weep with this young woman. I almost feel guilty; my fiance went to the Middle East too and came back to me; now we're married and expecting  our first precious child. Seeing Mary makes me wish I could give her what I have. May they be united in Christ one day. Truly He is the one hope for our world, having conquered our greatest enemy--death.

the picture its heart rendering im so sad for mary
i had a brother killed in the war in 1942 he was 19 i was not even born so many younge men so little time
 for mary with love from susan in the uk
                                               An Angel In Your Pocket
I am a tiny angel...I'm smaller than your thumb;
I live in people's pockets,That's where I have my fun.
I don't suppose you've seen me,I'm too tiny to detect;
Though I'm with you all the time,I doubt we've ever met
.Before I was an Angel...I was a fairy in a flower;
God, Himself, hand-picked me,And gave me Angel power.
Now God has many Angels That He trains in Angel pools;
We become His eyes, and ears, and hands
..We become His special tools.
And because God is so busy,With way too much to do;
He said that my assignmentIs to keep close watch on you
.When he tucked me in your pocket
,He blessed you with Angel care;
Then told me never to leave you,
And I vowed always to be there

This photo is one of the most heartwhenching photos I have ever seen. As an ex military man it touches me very deep and puts in to perspective what happen to the families of the fallen.
God bless all of them!!

There are no words to describe how this young woman must feel. Appropriate? Who can decide what is appropriate unless you are the one suffering that loss. This picture speaks of the longing this young woman feel to be close to her loved one; a longing that she knows deep within herself, will ever be quenched. I pray that God will hold her tightly in his arms and carry her through this dark time in her life, which only she, can bear.

My heart goes out to all that have lost there loved ones.  I agree with the one post this should be made a billboard facing Bush's Office for him to look at every second of the day and everyday to remind him of what he has put America through

Bush's legacy in one picture. The real cost of a lie-based war for the profit, record profits, for his and his father, who pulled strings to get little George out of our last lie-based war, and their big oil buddies.

The real tragedy here is that she and those directly affected by the unnecessary deaths of 3,000 plus Americans, more than Ladin killed on 911, is that some day they will realize their loss had nothing to do with fighting for our freedom or serving our country.

Their pain will only intensify as they come to understand that it is caused by some pathetic little psychotic man without a clue about war who was appointed to an office he neither earned or was capable of filling.

A man who will go down in history as the worst and most divisive president this nation has ever had because among many other arrogant, misguided, and distructive of the American way of life things he thinks he thinks, such as he does, that being a "war president" is somehow an honorable and good thing rather than what it really is, a total failure of his policy and diplomacy.

This picture truly represents the totally unnecessary pain and suffering of millions of Americans which is a direct result of the actions of a myopic and cupidiy driven little man who, were it not for his daddy's name, money, and connections, by all rights should be standing in a drive-thru window asking, "Does yous wants frys with that?"

signed, a veteran, 68 - 72 of the war George avoided serving in.

Very much like Hollywood...perhaps wanting a picture...

This pic really says it all. Im a former Marine wife with 4 kids and I cant imagine not having my hubby here with me watching the kids grow. Im sure the photographer had her permission to take this pic, considering they had a lengthy conversation before this pic was taken. I know our President is doing whats best for this country.4,000 of our troops have lost their lives over there but yet we seem to forget all the lives that were lost (women, children ,his own family members) under Sadam's reign. Millions lost there lives under his reign by being tortured, brutally murdered, and hung just because he felt like it, and yet we dont mourn of their losses. Our Soldiers took another horrible man out of this world that would of done alot more damage.They just have to go in and clean up all the mess now just to make this country a little more safe. This woman knows that her fiance died doing what he most desired to do.By laying his life down for her and this country. What an honor. Thats what makes him a hero.

It's as if Mary's imagining the embrace the many other fiancee's, girlfriends and wives cherish when their soldiers return to them, safely. I can't find the words that moved me to tears when I saw this picture. May God comfort you with the embrace that was stolen by this war dear Mary.

This photo touches me down to the core. I pray for her to keep her strength, something like this shakes your world and it takes a long time to pick up the pieces. Sometimes you just have to talk to everyone and no one to make yourself still feel like you have something to live for.

How many more have to die, Mr. President?

We see it on the nightly television news and we change the channel to what we want to watch. We glance at the small print headline when we go on the internet but forget what we read minutes later.  Pictures are in the daily paper  but you've read similar before.  We are all guilty of being caught up in our daily lives and it is difficult to feel an emotional impact until it is a death of a loved one or someone in your hometown. This picture captures that feeling for those who don't have someone close that is oversees right now. The photograph is hard to swallow just looking at it, especially in the midst of what is happening with our country and Iraq.  It's a shame that those who have the power to control what is going on right now will never feel what this young lady has to everyday, and to think, so many others have shared in this sacrifice for a war that they themselves don't believe in. If it is too hard to remember pictures like these for a long time, it is easy to at least honor those for a minute when you see photographs like this.

I am an Asian Indian male.  It really touches my heart to see such feeling for a lost partner, which is rarely seen these days in such a materialistic age that we all live in.  this is a very powerful testimony to our basic human values.
Aside from that, I also think that there is a violation of privacy, since this is a VERY private moment in one;s life.  I know we are all commenting on it, but we wish such were not the case.

May Mary find the strength and courage to move on.  May her and her partner's ssacrifice never go in vain.

I think all you pukes who say "we" should be Iraq" or "we're" doing the right thing" and "we" should finish the job" should take a look at this photo and then go down and enlist.  Make sure it's the Marines that way you'll be right in the thick of it. I don't know why people say the country was for this War.  I'm part of this country and have been for 88 years and I have been against this debacle from the get go.  And yes I served MY country during WWII.    

Such a sad but accurate pictue.  I feel that it shows the true 'expense' that we as Americans are paying for this war.  
I totally feel that it is Mary's choice of whether or not this picture is publicized.  This picture shows true grief. I don't see how anyone can look at it and not be effected

IT IS UNFORTUNATE FOR ANYONE TO SUFFER A LOSS YET IT IS REALITY!
MAYBE THIS SHOULD BE PLACED ON EVERY NETWORKING MEANS AVAILABLE TO THE WORLD AT THE SAME TIME FOR FIVE MINUETS TO LET EVERY FORM OF LIVING LIFE STOP TO AND ASK THEMSELVES "WHAT HAVE THEY SCRAFICED LATELY FOR SOME ONE ELLS"?

So heartbreaking.  I cried just looking at the pic before I even read the paragraph and listened to the audio.  My daughter's godfather went to Iraq and it is hard on the mind not knowing if that person will return alive.  Thank God he did.  My prayers and heart go out to Mary and John's family.  May God bless all and peace on Earth for everyone.

the saddest photograph i have ever seen

Probably the saddest picture I've seen in a long time. Heartbreaking.

This is so sad.  I feel her pain.  I wish I could wrap my arms around her and take it away, but we know that isn't possible.  I hope for an afterworld where we will be with the ones we have lost and where killing is non-existant.  

This picture pulls at my inner gut.  Not many times in my life have I seen a more agonizing picture to look at for those left behind. When I look at this I want to scream at somebody to stop this senseless killing. Why -Why - why oh God ?

Thank you Jennifer (May 30th).  I thought I was the only one who thought the photo looked staged.  I'd bet money on it...all that the photographer has made...

he second I laid eyes in this picture, tears poured down my cheeks. and my heart broke for that girl. I wanted to hug her and console her. Please President Bush, bring our troops home and stop this war now! be a REAL man and admit that you've made a HUGE mistake.

They are all dying for the phony syaye of "Israel" which has been an albatross growing around America's neck since it was forced on the Muslim people in 1948. The Muslims know that if they were WASPS the UN would not have shoved the Jews on them.  

It's time we stand up America for what we believe in . This picture was brought to you courtesy of George Bush-Not Iraq.He has card blanch to send our men and women over there to have them travel down roads waiting to be blown up. Well listen , I'm fed up with it and pray to God Congress can stop this NOW. Yes this womens rights have been indulged. However maybe This is what it will take to save future lives. Let's stand up and speak.

How brave her fallen hero is and how dedicated Mary remains, He will never be forgotten--Her love will not be in vain, may many good days follow her in the future.... The picture says it all.

Webster dictionary should take out their definition of "Grief" and insert this picture to get the very true meaning.....

Thank you soldiers and your families for your service and sacrifices to keep our country free.

May God watch over our soldiers and keep them and their families safe...

Losing a loved one is unbearable and made more unbearable by the illegality, selfishness, foolishness and callousness with which this particular war has been conducted by this criminally minded administration.

The betrayal of wonderful men and women willing to sacrifice their lives for the ideals of our great country is sickening and unforgiveable.

My Heart goes out to her and his family....can't express how it feels.

Mary's loss is a nation's lost, as well.  Few can look at this picture and not feel the pain and sadness she feels.  But, we must remember that James died doing what he wanted to do.  Fight for this nation and his cause.  He wanted to be a ranger.  He wanted a higher calling.  This was his calling.  I salute, such a man. No soldier decides which war he maybe called upon to fight.  Mary stand up, find the strength to be strong, and be proud of your man.  James is an American Hero.

She looks like she wants to lie as close to his body as possible. She wants to touch him again and this is the closest she will ever come; lying on his grave sight. I am so sorry for her pain and his loss of life. Only in the far future will we ever know if this war was worth it. I hope it is.

My heart goes out to MAry. She will be in our prayers.

He chose to try and go kill people rather than to be with her.
He got what he deserved.
She's angry because she doesn't get any death benefits and is stuck working at Wal-Mart forever.

I was really moved by this picture. The moment I saw it, it made me cry and pray for this girl. All I could think about was how I would feel if this were my husband and if this was the closest I could get to him. How sad so many are losing loved ones. There are no words to express the grief associated with a loss like this, but I think this picture comes close.

I was speechless when i saw this image on the news..i still am.
what can one say..?
i just wanna make the pain go away for her...poor thing..that's love

this picture makes me realize the sacrifice that many people have to make in order to protect our freedom... may God bless this girl in the photo

I saw this picture earlier this week and thought of it several times since then.  We here the word "sacrifice" so often that it loses it power.  This photo brings that word's impact back tenfold.

Mary, and anyone else who has had to feel this type of loss, I pray for you and for those that haven't had to feel the loss yet...it just hurts...

If this woman was asked if she thought her sacrifice was justified in "keeping us free", what would her response be?  Yes, he died for what he believe in; or would it be?; No, we cannot be peace keeper for the world, this is not our fight and our soldiers are dying for nothing, or for others that really detest the US and don't want us there.

How can we justify her pain!

How ironic that I should be thankful for the first amendment to read these comments.

simply, this photo makes me sad. but reminds me to appreciate the joy of life and share it which
makes me happy. some comments about the photo make me mad.

In regards to Shulman's question, I have no comment and would like to thank John Moore for sharing such a powerful image.

How ironic that I should be thankful for the first amendment to read these comments.

simply, this photo makes me sad. but reminds me to appreciate the joy of life and share it which
makes me happy. some comments about the photo make me mad.

In regards to Shulman's question, I have no comment and would like to thank John Moore for sharing such a powerful image.

Definiton of Agoraphobic: Someone with an ABNORMAL fear of being in a difficult or helpless situation, especially in crowds or public and open spaces.
Wouldn't want to marry that, lest we produce IMBECILIC offsprings, definition of which : contemptibly stupid.

I tried to light a candle for all of our lost soldiers, but there where way to many. If anyone would like a candle light in thier honor, I would be happy to do so.

This photo makes me sad and even more sad when i read the comments.

Behind every death, there are lots of hidden sorrow and pain ..
but what those iccocent people, who are not just hundred.. they are in milions .. died in iraq..

Our Sorrow, Sympathy and pain will be all of them not just some specfic ..

Am realy very sorry for those who lost their loved ones and those who donot knw the truth ..

thank you to all the soldiers, past and present, who have sacraficed for the greater good. you are the reason we have the freedoms we enjoy. my prayers go to the families who have to bear the burden of freedom. god bless!

The most moving picture I have seen, May God bless her

A powerful image. Good job to the photographer. A big hug for Mary.

So many comments about the war, so many people blaming everyone else.  As a Soldier I signed on voluntarily, there is no draft right now, and this picture should not be a utilized as a utensil to force feed antiwar redoric. I am also a very young widow, I feel deeply for this woman.  I know how it feels to lay on the grass and imagine to be laying on your husbands chest.  Nothing soothes it.  In my opinion the photographer is using probably the poorest taste a human being can possibly exhibit.  The point of photographing this beutiful young woman at this particular moment??????????? I am insulted for her, at a time like this no one has the right try to peer into your soul.  This feels like a terrible violation . It is terribly invasive, and I can tell you that for me anyway, this would have done much more harm then good. At that point in her life I can only believe that she was't imagining the Soldier, she was imagining the man. I remember wanting to be alone with my husband as crazy as it sounds - this picture seems to rob her of that.  God bless you Mary, love is love forever more.

Thank you for your sacrifice?  Get real you guys and learn some real compassion.  This woman has lost more that you could imagine and you say 'thank you'?  Awesome picture, it really portrays the closeness that one has for someone that is not longer with us…very good picture.

This picture should be on the cover of a major magazine. I will always remember it; not many pictures can affect a person as this one did/has/will.  There are no accidents. There was a reason this photographer and Mary were at the same place at the same time.  

CHENEY, Rumsfeld and bush and the naive voters who put them in power, this picture and all others taken of the war .... This is the result of Patriotic Fever ( not a rational love of country).

Some wars are a necessary evil, but the Iraqi Invasion is not one of them.

God bless our troops!! Thank you.
God bless Mary!

CHENEY, Rumsfeld and bush and the naive voters who put them in power, this picture and all others taken of the war .... This is the result of Patriotic Fever ( not a rational love of country).

Some wars are a necessary evil, but the Iraqi Invasion is not one of them.

God bless our troops!! Thank you.
God bless Mary!

This made me think of a saying my grandfather used to say as a fisherman. "you have to go out, but you don't have to return." I wish peace to the loved one who grieve for his loss.

If we were not in this war, they would be on our soil. The ones in the war knew that when they signed up this could happen. I have family that was there two years. The
media is hurting the people over there by not supporting them.

Kathie Owens Indian Springs, AL outside of Birmingham, AL

I pray for the family and friends and the united states
and all over this world Lord Jesus christ have mercy on us all

My prayers go out to every American family that has lost a love one to war. I cried for hours after seeing this photo, this is the pain that war has caused and yet it is the right thing to do. God Bless America!

This sums it all up. LOVE NEVER DIES.
God bless the ones they leave behind.

Wow... Just wow!

I have NO sympathy for the US military that went over into another country VOLUNTARILY with big tanks and guns and got shot at and died THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SHOOT AT PEOPLE AND BLOW UP THEIR COUNTRY THEY SHOOT BACK!!!! They deserve what they got every one of them! they VOLUNTEERED TO DIE!!  you want to see the killing stop? IMPEACH BUSH!!!! and STOP INVADING OTHER COUNTRIES!!!

I have no sympathy for people the killed themselves YES they did kill themselves they volunteered to be a personal shield to our criminally insane president

This makes you think about those who sacrafice their lives so that we can live freely. I have a close friend whose finace is in Iraq at the present time and she doesnt show it but I can see it in her eyes everytime he is called. Her eyes just scream "why?". Come home soon Jeff. We miss you.

A picture really is worth 1,000 words, and this is proof.  what Ididntvoteforhim said was inapropriate.  Men and women in the military signed up to help innocent citizens in terribly violent countries, and those who die for that cause should be highly respected and honored.  What this picture is showing is not that our President has bitten off more than he can chew, but that our soldiers are loved humans, not heartless machines, as some people refer to.

God Bless our Troops

My heart goes out to Mary. her loss is the greatest loss of all...the loss of what will never be.  Remember how great and powerful this image of her solitude and despair is.  Great Photos do that they distill the essence of the moment and the emotion contained within and document it in order to record it for posterity.  Otherwise it would just be a
snapshot.  Tell a photographer you like their snapshots.  They make pictures and images and a piece of the subject and image maker go into it.  Some people are not going to like that since it makes them deal with their emotions.
Is this moment appropriate?  Definitely not, Mary should not have needed to go through this experience.  The picture is only a single moment in this.  If you believe it is too private to be  displayed, choose not to look, choose not to experience.  Close your eyes and
the image is still there forever.            

Im 25, married with a son.  When I look at this picture, I can almost feel her pain.  There are so many just like her.  As I was growing up, when I heard the word widow, an elderly woman would come to mind even though I knew that wasn't always the case.  There are a new generation of husbands without wives, wives without husbands, children without parents and parents who have lost their sons and daughters to war.  In deepest respect, let us not forget that in WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietman more people lost their lives in one day that have been lost in this entire war.  Our service men and women serve this country regardless of political position.  No matter who is bickering over pork in a bill.  They are still serving.  They are still giving their lives.  Their families never get a moment's rest from worry or mourning.  I think everyone should put themselves in this woman's shoes.  Think about her days, her nights, her battles.  Their are so many of "her."  Empathy is so much more productive than sympathy.  What does she and the others like her need now?  What can we do for these soldiers and their families when they come home from war?  It should not stop at memorial day.  We have an obligation as a country to take care of our veterans and their families.  Raise my taxes for that!

Sad, very sad!! I wonder how many of our Washington insiders lost loved-ones.

Those politicians highest on the food chain would never let their children be put in harm's way by joining the armed services. If the Bush daughters were serving as grunts in Iraq Rumsfeld and Wolfowitz would never have kept their jobs as long as they did. If there were a policy of mandatory military service by the children of those seeking public office perhaps we'd see more responsible foreign policy and better planning on the part of the military (yes, I'm a vet).

God bless them all for what they gave and are still giving.  Such an amazingly sad image that I hope I never have to truly understand.

This is one most heart breaking and true photo of what is lost , Bless this young woman for supporting this young man even in death , this pictures needs to be remembered NEVER forgotten  it is something all should see ......something Mr Bush and all of the leaders of this country should get to look at each and every day !

The soldier buried there, like all the fallen, gave his life for his friends, family, and freedom - and not for politics.  To claim what he died for meant nothing because of the political sidebar is a dishoner.

Woah CP... no way, I can't agree.

I WILL NOT allow this government (I know it's not MY government, I surely didn't choose them) to use MY HARD EARNED MONEY to go kill innocent people.

Raising our taxes to support our troops - that's ignorant.  If you choose to give money, so be it, but you cannot force the entire society to support something they do not agree with.

If so, we might as well do a draft!

Would'nt it be the same thing, if our Government just started killing citizens here in the US that didn't happen to agree with the way the US handles things. The fact that inocent children are dying in Iraq because they get in the way of us trying to bomb the intended makes it OK ?? We should all be ashamed..Mary God bless you. Shame on us..  

to cw 5/29.  How is this embarresing?
I'm embarresed for you.  Also to the person sick of hearing "Freedom isn't free".  Wonder how you would well you would feel if you didn't have the freedom that so many have paid for? Since the begining of this great country of ours it is the it has been the people willing to give everything including their lives to insure our freedom. If it weren't for them you would not be free to express your hatred of freedom.

We're at war. Military men fight wars. It's what they do. And they sometimes die while fighting. This woman got involved with a military man voluntarily. She knew him dying was a possibility. She has no one but herself to blame for her pain.

I typically like to add funny comments to these picture, but I got nothin'.  This picture is so sad :-(

There is no shame in photographing this. I have done this at my own  brother's grave. It's a beautiful picture and sums up how you feel when you lose someone. Thank you to Mary for showing the world what we do when our loved ones are taken.
one last note:
This is a mindless war that is going to get us no where fast and just take a lot of lives we can never have back.  It is never never NEVER going to end and has no just cause. A show of hands for anyone wanting to send their son, daughter, husband, brother, father, mother, etc. over to fight. I am guessing there is no show of hands. I know mine is not up. I last read of a couple who lost their son and the father's last words for the article were, "With my son gone now there is an open spot over in Iraq so I was wondering if President Bush would like to send his daughter's over for job?" I personally liked that one.

Ididntvoteforhim how could you not respect the thought of losing someone you love??????????? How rude. The men yes signed up but have you ever really studied the men who sign up???? They are promised so much, a college education for one thing. My son is going to college and wow is it costly. We are a middle class family so many of these men are not and need a way out. I also do not believe the young men signed up to die they signed up to guard this country you obvioulsy take for granted. They are keeping you alive! It is Bush who ripped them off by instead of keeping them here to protect us sent them to Iraq, for I believe to pad his pocket and make him rich. And I did not vote ofr him either, put an oil man into the President's seat? NO not me, I was smarter then that and thought the rest of the U.s. was too.

Heart wrenching. Thank President Bush and his Zionist handlers for the Iraq war and coming war on Iran.

My husband worked with Sgt. James Regan. I remember when I received the call regarding his death and had to turn around and inform five other wives. Regardless of whether I know these men or not, it always hits me like a ton of bricks and I have to sit down and cry before making my calls. The feelings you have when your husband is deployed can be so utterly overwhelming sometimes, and the emptiness that consumes you during a time like this is almost unbearable. I never did have the opportunity to meet Mary McHugh, but my heart goes out to her and to Regan’s family . . . they will always be in my prayers. I know it is very difficult for civilians to understand the war, especially when one sees a picture such as this. I, too, am very proud of Regan’s decision to come into the Army with the purpose of becoming a Ranger. This is very honorable and respectable, but it still doesn’t make their loss any easier. God bless them.

I with MD Dont ever forget who fought
for our Freedom.

Although, I feel her pain.

Trish, I call BS. These kids are signing up for the MILITARY. They know good and well that it means they participate in times of war. If your kids don't understand that Military = Soldiers then perhaps they are too stupid to serve the U.S. YES! TOO STUPID! And don't feed us the line that there's no other recourse to pay for college. There are PLENTY of resources out there to pay for college. There are scholarships, Pell Grants for middle class families, Perkins Loans, and of course more part time jobs than you can shake a stick at. People that sign up for the military know full well what they are getting into the moment they enter boot camp. And they still have the option of dropping out if they can't handle it or think they made the wrong decision.

I had origionally posted against ididntvoteforhim, pretty harshley (nothing as harsh as what he said). It stayed up there for a couple of days and was removed but I noticed his comment is still there - thanks editors.  At any rate my comment watered down was a suggestion that he tape his statement to his butt so one of us can identify him for what he is.  Yet we would still help him, why??? Because it's our job.  Trish - I did not join for college money, I joined because I believe in what I do.  I know very very few people who have joined solely for college money. And above all you shouldn't join because of it - if you do I'm sorry but it was a choice that you made, it's not a free ride.   I joined for the same reasons my Grandfather and nearly every man (first woman) in my family did.  I believe in my country and humanity, I believe in doing whatever you can to help people who cannot help themselves. The concept of leaving my children makes me sick to my stomach - but I do this because it's my job and I was raised that when you commit yourself you see it through which apparently is thought to be rare in my generation.  Because I signed and continue to sign the line VOLUNTARILY.  I grieve for Mary, I know exactly what it's like to loose your spouse.  I know what it's like to loose friends, people you love and family members.  I pray that my kids and my family never have to feel this, but if they do I want them to know that I died doing what I felt was right, I felt that I was making a difference. Wendy - I have more friends that have been injured or killed helping children that were intentionally put in front of them by grown ups.  They were injured or died trying to help that child.  Some people in this country sees it's own people and in the case Soldiers  as murderers, child killers, evil people who do nothing but kill.  Turn off your TV and ask someone who has been there the truth.  The truth that isn't shown on TV because it isn't sensational.  

This photo deserves the Pulitzer...

May the Lord bless her in journey to recover and understanding his courage and we sympatize in her loss.  Remember his death and thank him each and every day that we breath our freedom.  I thank each and everyone who is protecting us and giving up so much for us.  

My husband serves because it's what is in his heart to do.  When we were dating and I asked him why he chose to join the military he told me that he wanted to give something back to the country he was proud to call home.
That is why many of our military members are serving, they believe in our freedoms and they feel that by joining they are giving something back and honoring those who went before them.
The photo is a poignant one and should be nominated for any and all awards that can be given to journalistic photographs.  She embodies the pain of loss that all family members feel when they lose a loved one who is in service to their country.
..........Some gave all........

As the wife of a military member, the daughter and granddaught of military men and a former member of the Armed Forces...I salute everyone who serves and every loved one who has lost.

Most of us do what we do out of a love for our Country, our way of life, and the memories of those who came before us.

She embodies the grief felt by everyone who loses someone in military conflicts around the world.

Some gave all...

I second the Pulitzer nomination...

He didn't have to die. I ache for her.

I know what she is feeling. I have been there. I lost my fiance' in 1988. He was in the US Navy. Only time can heal the hurt. God Bless Her.

Lives and dreams changed forever by a war that seems to have no end and an administration that has no answers.

Thank you Mr. President

Pictures speak louder than words, this one SCREAMS! Every time I look at it my eyes well with tears.

Grief is a powerful emotion, shared by all of us who have lost someone and wished beyond hope that we could hear that person's voice or see a smile or touch that person again. This photo connects all of us. This photo goes beyond words. Hang in there, Mary.

There should never be a critical word spoken about the war unless you have been in shoes like hers or the boots of the one she is mourning.

How could you possibly know what it is like if you have not been there?

It is easy to to be critical from your couch in your den, but honarable to die for what you believe in.

Thank you, Members of the Military!

This photo makes me grieve to my very soul. I am a former soldier and have seen many loved ones put beneath such a marker. To CW, you must have no heart, no human compassion. She IS out of her mind, with sadness and loss of a life that was to have been shared. The only thing embarassing about it, is someone like you making such a heartless comment.... what a sad testament to the caliber of our public

Makes you think of the thousands of others devistated in ways no one can heal from this war. Really angers me and makes me wish there was a way to go back and have a better game plan for this war...stupid bush..hate that guy.
I suport our troups...glad you came home Oren and Eddie.

This poor woman…..It is so sad.

Please do not forget we are dieing here too.

Illegal aliens are killing more Americans than the Iraq war, says a new report from Family Security Matters that estimates some 2,158 murders are committed every year by illegal aliens in the U.S. The group says that number is more than 15 percent of all the murders reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the U.S. and about three times the representation of illegal aliens in the general population.

Monday morning, A Cary NC man, on his way to work, was killed when the car he was driving was hit by a stolen S.U.V. traveling at a high rate of speed. The driver of the S.U.V. lost control of the vehicle and crossed the median on Interstate 40, smashing into the other car. The driver and passenger of the S.U.V. were over the legal limit for alcohol consumption. Both were illegal immigrants and had previously been deported. They both produced forged documents. The driver did not even know what his name was supposed to be. It is known from finger print checks that the driver had also been apprehended by Border Patrol in California and sent back to Mexico twice. He made it in this time.

Why are we ignoring this???

You can FEEL her pain and my heart goes out to her and the family. My son will be in Balad,Iraq on July 15th...I pray that I won't be another mom who has lost a child in this @#!*# war.

I feel for her. She will have to heal though and get the support of her family, church, and community. Each of us has a duty as Americans to help her and all grieving families.

Diana - your son and your family are in my thoughts and prayers...

But most of all I pray that ALL the sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, uncles, aunts, brothers and sisters come home safely and SOON.

This cannot continue.

Dear Mary; I, also, lost my partner. I feel the pain, grief, sorrow...nothing can describe the loss you and I and many others experience. This photo inappropriate? Not!  Maybe for those who haven't been there.

For those that make respectful comments, bless you. For those that make political comments here, including Shulman, shame on you. All that matters at a moment like this is what she is saying and what he might have said back. As a Soldier from an earlier war, I'm almost certain it would not be at all political. Slow hand salute to this young Lady and her Sweetheart.

I feel that this photo is really an invasion of a very private and vulnerable moment for Mary.  She is an acquaintance of mine, and I cannot imagine that she would want this picture to be seen by the entire nation.

Some of these comments are sad in themselves.I think the blame game covers a lot of yellow.

Some of these comments are sad in themselves.I think the blame game covers a lot of yellow.

Being a soldier myself, I don't believe that I would have liked to have my loved one photographed in this moment of sorrow.  Yes, the world needs to see what the end result is in war, but we must also feel for those who have to see their loved ones killed right next to them while eating lunch.  The innocents are many and on all continents.

This breaks my heart and makes me cry.

Why does there have to be war - it is so stupid and senseless. I hate, hate, hate it.

I also hate war, but I think anyone can see the need. We have always tried to fight wars overseas, before they reach home. I hate war, but prefer it there to being here. If someone wanted what is yours, would you just walk away. Would you want help in holding on to it. Somebody takes yours, who knows, mine might be next.

This photo brought me to tears.  My thoughts and prayers are with her and every other person who has lost a loved one.  It saddens me to know that this will not be the last and that there will be many more tears shed before this war is over.  Very, very sad.

I have shed a tear for every fallen soldier and a prayer for their families.  When I saw this picture, I just couldn't stop crying and I will never stop praying.
Anita Greenaway

Why isn't George Bush laying beside her?

Max
12 years old

Heart Breaking !!!!

This is what photography is all about. The ability to convey immense pain,and all of the other emotions. This one just broke my heart.
I pray for a peace in this young woman's heart and the family of this courageous young man who lost his life. Freedom is never "free" is it?

There are at least 3500 "Mary's" accross this nation. At least one for every soldier lost. When we send our young men to die, it should only be when absolutely necessary. Pre-emptive war is a sin against our nation and it's brave soldiers.

This photo really struck something in me. Like most of yall, I have a few friends I grew up with over in Iraq serving in the Marine Corps. I guess there are a lot of things I'd like to say but none of them really seem right. I couldn't help but tear up when I saw this. God bless our troops.

I now have my own wound from this war, as We all should.  This image sliced right through my heart. May God bless the future of mankind.

This photo made me cry for Mary and her lost love.  May God bless her and Sgt. James Regan.  Thank you John Moore for reminding the world of the devastation this war is inflicting upon us ALL.

This photo made me cry for Mary and her lost love.  May God bless her and Sgt. James Regan.  Thank you John Moore for reminding the world of the devastation this war is inflicting upon us ALL.

maddmarcRTP you attention whore, tell me how the iraqi army uniform looks like.....dont worry ill wait....u dont know because we're killing them, you dont think iraqs are more pissed off than you cause we over there killing them and now you try to take attention away from them by talking about illegal aliens killing americans. when the real issue is iraq and its innocent citizens

First off let me say that I am in the military and have served for 14 years so far. I am presently deployed to Baghdad.
So, when it's all said and done, years down the road, what do you think would make Miss McHugh feel just a tiny fraction better? To have all the troops home before we are allowed to finish the job we were tasked to do and thus to have her fiancé die in what will truly be a "senseless", "meaningless", "wasted effort", to use just a few of the phrases I see here? To have, essentially, quit and thus know for a fact that her fiancé really did die for nothing?
Or might it be better to complete the job we have been asked to do? To defeat these insurgents and terrorists and to establish a functioning, peaceful government here in Iraq.  At least then she could take some small comfort knowing that her fiancé gave his life for something worth fighting and dieing for...the freedom of the Iraqi people and the continued safety and freedom of our own people.
Whether you voted for the President or not; whether you were for the war or not; does not matter to us.  What does matter is that we are here now and we have a mission to accomplish. If we leave now, if we quit because it got too hard, the 3,000+ Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines who have fought and died here will have honestly died for nothing.  They will have died because we as a nation no longer possess the intestinal fortitude to see a difficult task through to the finish in the face of adversity.  The message that will send to the terrorists would be catastrophic: the defeat of a mighty, yet decadent nation by the righteous few. You could not ask for a better recruiting slogan.
I share Miss McHugh’s grief.  I have lost friends and bothers in arms.  We grieve every time one of our own is killed, but we also know that those who have gone before us do not want us to quit.  
We are the United States Armed Forces.  We are the finest most lethal military the world has ever known.  But we can be defeated fairly easily if we lose the support of our people for the missions we are sent to do.  We appreciate all the messages of support we receive, we truly do.  They brighten our days and boost our morale.  But when we hear comments like, "I support our troops, but not the war." It tends to ring a little hollow.  You see, we view ourselves and our mission as one in the same.  You will never hear anything like, "I support those football players...they sacrifice so much and work so hard.  But I hate football.  It's senseless and violent and hurts people".
Please, support us.  Support our mission.  Support the families left behind.  Help us accomplish our goals and have our efforts and sacrifices mean something.  

That's a bad place to sunbathe.

My heart goes out to this woman.They should show this to bush next time they talk about getting our troops out of a place we should not be.

This photograph was featured in the "Week in "Pictures" a few weeks ago, it was accompanied by audio of the photographer. He said that he spent hours in the cemetary and finaly after watching Mary for quite some time he asked her if he could take her picture. She said yes. So to everyone who is calling this an invasion of privacy know your facts, actually go to the article that Rich Shulman is talking about, or go look through the past "Week in Pictures" and read before your write. She wanted people to see this image and understand it's importance.

This week, it was announced Iraq does not want our troops (American forces) over there.  By all means, let us no longer wage this bull #hit sacrifice for WMD as we see the fallen troops and they represent a small percentage of the troops that come home alive however, missing a limb, PTSD or one of the many other traumatizing disabilities.  GET THEM HOME NOW as not to incur one more fatality.  Amen.

It makes sense that it should happen this way
That the sky should break,
And the earth should shake
As if to say, "Sure it all matters, but in such an unimportant way."

As if to say, "Fly away, sweet bird of prey,
Fly, fly away
Nothing can stand in your way, sweet bird"
If you knew the words I know you'd say,
"Fly, fly away."

It makes sense that it should hurt in this way
That my heart should break,
And my hands should shake
As if to say, "Sure, it don't matter, except in the most important way."

As if to say, "Fly away, sweet bird of prey,
Fly, fly away.
I won't stand in your way, sweet bird"
If you knew the words, I know that you'd say,
"Fly, fly away."

It makes sense that it should feel this way
That you slowly fade, and yet still remain
As if to say, "Everything matters in such an invisible way."
As if to say, "It's okay... Fly away."

Fly Away by Poe

any one taking a picture of this should be beaten. leave people alone.

I feel terrible for this woman, and guilty for invading her privacy at this private moment.

OH! So Sad! This photo gave me chill bumps.

My heart not only goes out to her, but to all the fallen and all the military personnel in Afghanistan and Iraq who are risking so very much to do what the president wants them to do. I do not agree with the war, but I have the utmost respect and gratitude for the women and men in the military.  I did not agree with the Vietnam conflict, but I did not have any animosity for the soldiers doing what they  were told to do.  I am so sorry for this woman and her fallen fiance.  God bless her.  God bless our troops.

I understand the pain she is suffering and am very greatful for the soldiers sacrifice for our freedom.  Freedom that can be lost in this country if soldiers like him do not fight for our freedom. My brother-in-law was just kidnapped across the Texas border those who kidnapped him  terrorized us by threatening to kill him. Just because they want him to pay a monthly quote so he can continue to run his business.  Do wa want that in our country? Do we want to be slaves of terrorist and do what they say or else they will kill us or bomb us or hijack our citizens.
WE ARE BLESSED TO LIVE IN THIS COUNTRY WITHOUT THAT FEAR.  
God Bless this young women and her family.  Thank God for the men and women who sacrifice their lives for our freedom

This picture does not need a description at all. By looking at it, you know the story and can feel Mary's pain. Mary, my heart hurts for you. May your pain lessen as each day passes. I thank each and every person who is fighting for our freedom. I appreciate Mary sharing her personal moments with us, it greatly helps us understand the sacrifices our men and women make, as well as their loved ones. Mary, may peace be with you.

This picture and the blog moved me... What you captured made my soul grieve. My Husband and I both served and can appreciate the sacrifices gone through by our military members, but it is soooo time for our troops to come back HOME.... Wish you all the best, All are in our prayers.

What happened to asking permission before publishing privacy?

"Jim Regan also said his family objected to the taking of the photo of McHugh by their son's grave, saying it was an "intimate moment."

"We did not want to be the face of the nation for grief, it was very personal," his father, Jim Regan told ABC News."

I have sat at my father's grave, which looks identical to this, in Denver, CO.  He was killed in an auto accident, not while in a war, but it hurts just the same.
God bless her and his family for the pain they are going through.

I cried and I haven't cried for a long time.

I never understood how war can bring peace...as said by many world leaders

We kill off all the really good people and make everyone else suffer!! Isnt War Grand!!!

There is a reason why we must go to war, nobody wants war, and unfortunately lives of our loved ones are lost.
I pray for those who have been killed and for their families who miss them, May God always bless them.

Appropriately honors! What a jerk to even ask this! Her dress is of no
concern. Her position has been earned through her love of Sgt. James Regan.
I feel her pain. My father is layed to rest in a place much like this one. His
Cobra was downed his 3rd tour in Nam.

And even though it has been over 30 years. I still think of him everyday. And still desperately need and miss him. I too was a lean mean fighting machine many years ago. Even though my father was gone. I had to follow in his footsteps because even
in death. I needed him to feel proud of me.

And I will tell you right now I am so emotional. I am glad this is not pen and paper.
The tears would surely wash out the ink. Even a once big bad soldier brought to tears.
But for some of you who surely don’t understand. My father was a solider who had more pride in his country and service to his country than anyone else I know. And even though he did not plan it. He felt there was no higher honor than to lay to rest with all the brave men and women who have given the altamont sacrifice.

And I am pissed off to no-end that some of you would use this as a platform to bitch about our President or the war he got us in. Get some pride! Oh never mind some of
you are clueless! And will never know the absolute euphoria of unquestionable pride in country.

For Mary I wish her pain to ease. But I can’t tell you it will ever go away. God’s blessing,
speed and will. I wish for you. Seek his light and comfort. And things will be better!

For the picture. I don’t see anything wrong with this selection. The emotion it brings should remind us all. If that was its purpose. Mission Accomplished!

This is such a sad picture, I only hope this poor woman can be grateful for the time she did have with her fiancee

This breaks my heart. My son is overseas and in the Navy and is engaged, I pray that this will never be my son or  his fiance mourning him. I pray for all those who are over seas.

I am a proud wife of a US Army soldier, and it saddens me to see pictures like this one. The reality to all us military wives is... that could be me lying next to my husband's grave. My heart and prayer's go out to Mary and every family of a fallen military soldier. My husband spent 15 months in Iraq, and thank God he came home safely. I remember waiting for letters from him just to have a sigh of relief that he's safe. I’d Pray every night not for me, but for him. When he would get a chance to call me, I'd talk so much it probably gave him a headache, but neither one of us wanted to say good bye. Then after 15 months, the moment I'd been waiting for finally arrived. The feelings, the anxiety was overwhelming, but all worth it for the love of my husband. It's my patriotic duty!
He will be deployed again; it's just a matter of time. What people don't seem to understand is this way of thinking is normal for all military families. Our soldiers don't do it for fame, money (God knows they're under-paid), glory, bragging rights, or to be away from family and friends for a year or more. They do it for the love of our country!! I support my husband and any other soldier defending our country/our honor.
Thank You, for those of you who support our soldiers. As I was reading some of these comments I was disappointed by the lack of support of my fellow Americans. They are so quick to judge our President and to say that our soldiers are just taking orders and doing their "job" over seas because they have to. Have these shallow minded people living in the US ever thought maybe these soldiers want to fight for us and our country? I would have called them "my fellow Americans" again, but I don't believe they deserve the title. If they lived one day in a military soldier’s shoes they would have a new found respect for these hero's choices. I understand that there's a thing called FREEDOM of speech, and in my opinion some people take it for granted. We don't have that right because one day someone said “alright we can all speak freely and give our opinions, even the asinine ones”. It was a freedom that was fought for. American's have never been weak or submissive, so why start now? I love our country, my soldier, our President, and our FREEDOM!!  

“Jennifer” God bless you for your loyalty, courage, love and sacrifice.
You are a bright shining example for us all. And the light that guided your
beloved husband’s way home. Should or when he be deployed again.
I beg God to blanket your husband within the security of his protection.
Until you can be together again and forever!

Thank you and your husband so very very much for our freedom.

Jennifer, I am so proud of you. I don't think I could have said it better myself. Our husbands served together in the Army and were together in Iraq for 15 months, both returning home safely. Thank God! My heart goes out this woman and everyone who has lost a loved one in this war. Our men and women are there as a duty to our country. They are out there fighting,risking their lives everyday to protect us and our freedoms. After 6 years of service we are out of the military now but, not a day goes by that I don't think of the life I had as a military spouse and the hardships we all go through. Standing there telling your husband "goodbye" and how much you love him when you know in the back of your mind you may never see him again, comforting your children when they ask when daddy is coming home, giving birth to my daughter knowing her father will only see her beautiful face and smile by a photograph, missing her first everything and not seeing her until she was 9 mos. old. The soldiers and their families have a special bond that is as strong, if not stronger than a family bond. When a soldier is lost on the battle field we are all affected. Mary- May the Lord Bless you and comfort you in your time of grief and always know that you are not alone, and that you are in my prayers!
Jennifer- God Bless you both!

1ST OFF,THIS PICTURE MADE ME CRY AND RELLY REALLY ANGRY!!!!!! IT IS ONE OF THE SADDEST ONES I HAVE SEEN! IT IS TERRIBLE FOR THIS WOMAN AND OTHERS THAT HAVE  WAR HEROS THAT HAVE PASSED ON FOR OUR  VIDEO GAME GOVERNMENT. I HAVE HAD ENOUGH!!! THAT'S ALL THESE WARS ARE TO THEM!!! OUR SOLDIERS ARE FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM AS OUR GOVERNMENT IS TAKING AWAY OUR FREEDOM! FREEDOM OF PAY FOR INSURANCE OR WE TAKE YOUR MONEY COME TAX TIME IF YOU DON'T!  OUR SOLDIERS DO NOT EVEN HAVE GOOD CARE FACILITIES WHEN THEY BECOME MAMED OR WORSE OFF PASS AWAY NEEDLESSLY SO BUSH CAN PLAY HIS VIDEO WAR GAMES. I THINK THE GOVERNMENT'S FAMILY SHOULD NOT BE EXEMPT FROM WAR !! MAKE THEIR CHILDREN FIGHT ON THE FRONT LINES!!!
WE AS A PEOPLE HAVE TO STICK TOGETHER & WAKE UP INSTEAD OF SLEEPING WHILE THE GOVERNMENT TAKES OVER OUR COUNTRY. EVERYTHING IS FREE FOR THEM BECAUSE WE DIE FOR THEM!!!! WHILE WE STRUGGLE AND OUR CHILDREN, SPOUSES, AND FRIENDS DIE FOR THEIR FREEDOM NOT OURS! WE PAY AND THEY TAKE AWAY!!!! FOR GOD'S SAKE PEOPLE THIS PICTUER IS A WAKE UP CALL!   WAKE UP PEOPLE WAKE UP!! GOD BLESS OUR SOLDIERS!!!!!

Leo-
Who said any loss is acceptable? No warrior talks of acceptable loss,, and every soldier is dear.

For Mary McHugh and SGT James Regan, time has stopped, preserved in on ehorrific moment. Soldiers cannot choose the manner of thier dying, but they live in the moment of doing something for others.

"To absent friends"

No jokes about this one.   A heart wrencher.   You can physically feel her pain.  Yes, show this one to Bush.

May God bless this woman.  How anyone can say the photographer was wrong for taking this picture has no heart.  This put a real emotion on the face of the war.

This picture is gut and heart wrenching.

Never forget those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom.  I can feel her pain.  God Bless and God Speed to all of our men and women who are over there right now fighting for us!

Makes you want to kick the collective asses of the idiots who picket our military funerals.
They are not worth fighting for.
They are the ones who will burn in hell.

Intimate. My God, yes. It's what I think I would have done, to lie with the lost beloved, in love and loving, no matter the phisycal distance. No longer to have and hold, but to still love and give love.

Yes, amazing

This town mours its fallen hero.

Thank you Jim. Peace to you Mary.

It pains me to look at this photo most of these soliders are so young and they are giving thier lives leaving behind families,loved ones and dreams and hopes of what thier life could have been.I support our troops by writing Platoons and sending supplies just to let them know that there are people here who thank them and the families for the sacrafices they make.I encourage all Americans to reach out no matter what you think of the war .These are our kids, our kids.They make it possiable for you to enjoy your family and freedom

I served two tours, Desert Storm/Desert Shield 1991 and OIF III 2005. I am/was a FMF Corpsman.  I saw the other end of this,  and see this side, its just as bad if not worst.

Semper Fi

Keep up the good work.