Powerful photo

That was a tough one. What a great photo, and a strong young man! Thanks for sharing.

And God Bless all who serve to protect this country and our freedom.

^^^THIS^^^

Thank you.

x3...Thank you for sharing. Very powerful.

I agree.  There are a few Congressmen who were military like McCain or Murtha but many are never directly affected by wars.

I agree with this in general.  But honestly at this point I'm not so convinced that Iraq and Afghanistan have anything to do with "freedom".  While I tend to lean conservative I'm to the point where I think we need to bring everyone back. 

I welled up.  It's beyond emotional.  I feel so sad for that little guy.

War.  Tell me what it's good for.  Absolutely nothing.

Having spent too much time over there, I will agree that it has little, if anything, to do with the average American's freedom.  But, I can tell you that having an Iraqi woman come up and thank you for escorting her daughter to school or having an Iraqi man thank you for guarding the polling place of nation's first free election in 60+ years is pretty special.  Will it bring this little boy's father back? No.  Will the little boy resent his father's sacrifice? Maybe.  Was the sacrifice a waste? Maybe.  All I can say is that there are people who are now enjoying freedoms they have never experienced in generations.  And this fact is how I calm my demons and try and find solace. 

Thanks for sharing, and I do see your view.  Please, don't confuse my comments with not having the utmost respect and gratitude to those who have served.  Thank you.

Looking at it from another angle here. I am a really bad photographer. I would absolutely love to be able to take a photo of something/anything that has that much power and emotion in it.

The old adage of a picture is worth a thousand words in very true in this instance.