Moving Photos

[lavbo0321]

Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News

When 2nd Lt. James Cathey's body arrived at the Reno Airport , Marines climbed into the cargo hold of the plane and draped the flag over his casket as passengers watched the family gather on the tarmac.

During the arrival of another Marine's casket last year at Denver International Airport , Major Steve Beck described the scene as so powerful: 'See the people in the windows? They sat right there in the plane, watching those Marines. You gotta wonder what's going through their minds, knowing that they're on the plane that brought him home,' he said 'They will remember being on that plane for the rest of their lives. They're going to remember bringing that Marine home. And they should.'




The night before the burial of her husband's body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time. The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of 'Cat,' and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. 'I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it,' she said. 'I think that's what he would have wanted.'

[Neck535]

Thanks for sharing this.

Semper Fi Sir, Rest in Peace.

[CAP MARINE]

i shouldnt have seen those photos,a little too much for me.

[Xdeth]

The reporter and photographer have a book coming out featuring the stories above and many more of fallen troops, should be required reading for H.S.

[GDITheman]

I listened to an interview on NPR about a month ago or so with the photographer and author. Extremely fucking moving to hear this perspective.

The Marines have a different approach in dealing with the family members than some of the other branches. The family deals with the same POC throughout the process.

My heart hung low listening to the interview. I do not think I could make it through the book. The pain and suffering of the family members left behind is exponential to anything I can comprehend. The best part of listening to the interview is I remembered I still have feelings and I'm extremely proud of my country.

[RAT]

The author is Jimmy Sheeler. I have known Jimmy since 2nd grade. He is a great dude and he lurks here and has for a number of yrs. He does not have a screen name.

Here is the info for the Pulitzer they were awarded in 2006 for the story and photo's

http://www.pulitzer.org/year/2006/feature-writing/

RO!!!

[maxsweat]

RIP Sir, may God bless and care for your family

[DrlSgt]

RIP God Bless you...

As Im sitting here, looking at the picture..I'm getting teary eyed...Its been that way since I got home from Baghdad.....

God bless you and your family, thank you for your devoted service to your country.

[Ranger5280]

Powerful

[Red Flag 1]

Moving photos! Rest In Peace 2Lt James Cathey! Prayers out! Thank you for your service!

[murdog]

That's what it's all about. Saw this article when it first came out. Glad to see it posted on this site.

[Balls]

Saw this story last year. Good to see it again.

- "From the outside looking in, they'll never understand it. From the inside looking out, you'll never be able to explain it."

RIP Marine. Semper Fi!

[AGROVES]

Lt. Cathey was my Plt. commander at the time when he was K.I.A.
we had only been boots on the ground for maybe a month when it happened.

[OldSwabbie]

I'm sorry for your loss. Those pictures went all over the Country at the time. When I first saw the story and the pictures, I sat there with tears streaming down my face at the computer. My wife thought someone in our family had died. I got up and let her sit down and read it, she got up wiping away her tears. Another heartbreaking story among many...

[Dark Helmet]

Lt. Cathey was my Plt. commander at the time when he was K.I.A.
we had only been boots on the ground for maybe a month when it happened.

Tell us a story about him.

Doing so keeps him alive.

I want to know more about this proud young officer. Make me know him.

[DC Photog]

The author is Jimmy Sheeler. I have known Jimmy since 2nd grade. He is a great dude and he lurks here and has for a number of yrs. He does not have a screen name.

Here is the info for the Pulitzer they were awarded in 2006 for the story and photo's

http://www.pulitzer.org/year/2006/feature-writing/

RO!!!


You beat me to mentioning the much deserved Pulitzer IMO. I'll just add that it's a damn shame that Rocky Mountain News is no more.

I was just out of photo school when this story ran, it was one of the most moving that has stuck with me over the years.

[Starlight]

RIP Sir.
Dammit, the pollen count must be up again...

[Papa Smurf]

RIP Sir.
Dammit, the pollen count must be up again...

Kleenex inbound (minus a few) - pollen count here is a bit high as well!

RIP LT.

[Seanmcd82]

It is powerful and moving. A good reminder that Freedom is not Free, and the sacrifices made to secure that Freedom are made by more than just those in uniform.

Thanks for sharing.

RIP Marine

[Titleist]

Oh man...I'm sorry..too much for me.. :(

[TowGunner]

Because this stuff disappears off the net from time to time. I felt the need to copy all the pictures and host them myself.... to keep this reminder. Thanks for your service and sacrifice.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/caship/Military/image001.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/caship/Military/image002.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/caship/Military/image003.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/caship/Military/image004.jpg

[Titleist]

I'm a slobbering idiot right now....:o

[Kay]

The picture that always gets me the very most is this one:

http://www.appletreeblog.com/wp-content/2009/01/funeral-flag-child.jpg

[Ole crusty bastard]

If these pictures don't effect you.............

[MeatLasagna]

Thank you for posting these photographs.

[Outofcontrol]

Who knew that eyeballs can sweat?! Thanks for posting this...

OOC, out

[FrontrunnerDK]

Damn...

[OS3]

I have to start reading this with my glasses on, it's hell on contacts! Thanks for bringing this back up, makes for great daily bread.

[OldSwabbie]

The overwhelming grief that swept over Katherine must have just broke Major Beck's heart. How he was able to deal with that I cannot imagine. I hope nobody comes to my office in the next few minutes... :frown:

[Forgetthisname]

Alright, Kay, ya got me...

[Johan]

The picture that always gets me the very most is this one:

http://www.appletreeblog.com/wp-content/2009/01/funeral-flag-child.jpg

That is 'the one' for me as well.

Regards,

[ASTAC918]

ok, ok. I'm taking the last $20 in my wallet to the military phone card drive my company's putting on.


Make the pollen go away.

[MPCOA]

The picture that always gets me the very most is this one:

http://www.appletreeblog.com/wp-content/2009/01/funeral-flag-child.jpg

IMHO that is the most powerful photo related to the recent conflicts.

Another one that I don't happen to have on my HD is one of two young children in Dress Blues with their fallen father's photo.

[BRC]

I have seen these photos before and they affect me the same way every time. This time I explained the pictures and some of the meanings to my son (three) and daughter (seven). I barely made it through...


BRC

[LunchBox]

Thanks for posting the photos. They bring a whole new perspective of the ultimate sacrifice. JO.

[Psi Brr]

Thank you.

[5831lvn]

RIP, Sir...God Bless your family

Semper Fi...

[Johan]

IMHO that is the most powerful photo related to the recent conflicts.

For me- it is obvious is such an excellent Boy. He is fighting that battle in his heart and with his emotion to keep his bearing and he is doing a better job than most Military Man do when they simply look at the photograph. Even though he carries himself so well (which certainly make his Father proud), you can see the pain and loss in his face so clearly.

His composure speaks to the quality of his Father, who is lost to him for now.

I will add my great respect for Marine who is presenting flag. He fights great battle for composure as well I am certain. I have been in similar situation, and it is true that if it is your duty and you are there in the moment your professionalism will give you strength, but to see that face of that Boy- I hope some brother Marine buys him some good stiff drinks that evening.

Regards,

[Richman]

You beat me to mentioning the much deserved Pulitzer IMO. I'll just add that it's a damn shame that Rocky Mountain News is no more.

I was just out of photo school when this story ran, it was one of the most moving that has stuck with me over the years.

The story has been moved here:

Jim Sheeler
A special report published November 9, 2005


http://www.pulitzer.org/works/2006-Feature-Writing

[Defact1]

Marines will be forever brothers in life as well in death, may eternal peace find them when they rest, God Bless.

[Kay]

Johan, that is my thoughts exactly too. You can just see in the boys face that
he just became man of the house in his father's absence and knows it. He has
his brave face on and already looks like a future Marine to me. Don't you just
know his Dad was looking down watching with great pride. I still tear up
every time I see it and did again just now.

[FrontrunnerDK]

Does anyone have a link to this photo (boy and marine) in higher resolution?

Thanks - and thanks for this thread.

[MPCOA]

Not sure if this is any higher but here is a different version.
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/1710/20070816gratitude.jpg (http://img38.imageshack.us/i/20070816gratitude.jpg/)

[Miller18]

I know he is not a Marine, but this one is very moving to me...it gets me everytime I look at it. Got it from another forum I go to.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c78/MILLER18/bye1.jpg

[MPCOA]

First that is a powerful set of pics.

Second, maybe there should be a separate thread for powerful pics or something along that lines?

[Kay]

Yes, that is a very moving set of pictures Miller18.

FrontrunnerDK, I didn't find a higher resolution, but here are some links to the orginal stories about the boy receiving the flag:

http://blog.800hightech.com/child-of-fallen-marine-accepts-american-flag/248/

http://thevibe.socialvibe.com/index.php/2009/05/26/8-year-old-boy-bravely-accepts-flag-from-fathers-casket/


Christian Golcznski, Child of a Fallen Marine From The Iraq War Receives American Flag from Marine Lt. Col. Ric Thompson During a Military Funeral for Staff Sgt. Marcus Golczynski.

Marine Staff Sgt. Marcus “Marc” Golczynski, was killed in Iraq on March 27. At his funeral in April, Daily News Journal photographer Aaron Thompson captured Marc Golczynski’s teary-eyed son, 8-year-old Christian, accepting a U.S. flag from his father’s casket.

[cueball117]

Rest in Peace Sir

[O'DubhGhaill]

The reporter and photographer have a book coming out featuring the stories above and many more of fallen troops, should be required reading for H.S.

Absolutely.

[O'DubhGhaill]

Not sure if this is any higher but here is a different version.
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/1710/20070816gratitude.jpg (http://img38.imageshack.us/i/20070816gratitude.jpg/)

This photo is about as hard a punch in the gut as I've seen.

[SgtMoe]

We will stay and fight until all of our brothers and sisters are brought home.....as for the little boy one day he will make one hell of a Marine......Semper Fi Marines.....My prayers go out to all....Moe

[DepCor0311]

Amazing pic of that young lad. You can actually see him trying to gut it out. Incredible. One of the most moving photos I've seen in a long time.

[Burn Notice]

I'm not going to lie, these images are very hard to view. RIP fellow warriors.

[Cass]

To O'Dubhgaill
Thanks for posting the photo of the little boy receiving the flag. I used to have several grieving photos of families but lost them all when my computer shop installed Win7 into my new computer. I did a Save As on this one.

That photo says it all. How much does one give?

[Papa Smurf]

The strength of that young man is only equaled by that of the warrior presenting him the flag - how both managed not to lose their composure under those circumstances is incredible. Looking that young man in the eye, presenting him the flag, I would would have been instantly reduced to tears.

Both have my deepest respect.

[Flying Pig]

http://thevibe.socialvibe.com/index.php/2009/05/26/8-year-old-boy-bravely-accepts-flag-from-fathers-casket/

Ive wondered who that boy was......

[DevilDawg]

FP. Thanks for the link and I think that the flipside of this picture is even harder to look upon. He stands with a very strong back and "military bearing".

Semper Fi Young Man, Semper Fi

[tooslow]

It's hard for me to look at that photo; even after the sixth time.
I'm just so proud of him; I wish I was as strong as he is.

(Ragweed)

(acknowledged that I am out of my lane; Di Di Mau)

[Cass]

Thanks Mr. Pig for the photo iden. That one photo has been my favorite to point out the pain of war. I lost the photo and now I found it again. And thanks to you I know who Christian is. A hero's son.

[STOIC1]

I don't normally stop to look at the Stars and Stripes, but this picture stopped me in my tracks. IMO it's Pulitzer material. Tattoo says "For those I love, I will sacrifice"

[tooslow]

Hill 875 aftermath.
17157

[BRC]

These photos are amazing.

Looking at the sacrifice made by these Warriors and their families makes the poser posts a lot more difficult to read without becoming completely pissed off....

My family and I thank you for your service,

BRC

[mac3982]

one of the worst funerals ive been to was an Marine, EOD tech close friend of mine. beautiful wife, 3 lil boys, when his 6year old realized it was his father in the box, i can close my eyes and hear his sons wail to this day. B

[Glebo]

one of the worst funerals ive been to was an Marine, EOD tech close friend of mine. beautiful wife, 3 lil boys, when his 6year old realized it was his father in the box, i can close my eyes and hear his sons wail to this day. B

It will never go away....as it should be..

Very moving post....all should see..and all should not forget.

[CCo275]

My heart hung low listening to the interview. I do not think I could make it through the book. The pain and suffering of the family members left behind is exponential to anything I can comprehend. The best part of listening to the interview is I remembered I still have feelings and I'm extremely proud of my country.

Perfectly stated. Very hard to look at as a father of three boys.

[STOIC1]

Sgt. Jason Pacheco, 23, scout sniper instructor, Division Schools, 1st Marine Division

[STOIC1]

GySgt. Robert Gilbert II

[Ryder]

GySgt. Robert Gilbert II

I was at Bethesda when Gunny was medevac'd in. At 12:01 am of the day he passed, which was his birthday, his family, friends and the Marines had a 'birthday party' in the ICU with Gunny to celebrate his life. Many tears were shed by all of us for the loss of such an amazing man. Semper Fi Guns, you are not forgotten!

[Ryder]

This precious little boy, Landon may never meet his father, but will know doubt learn what a Hero he was.

http://bighugelabs.com/output/motivatorae284b2e1bccbea69c3c1cdbd239a9fb68ad1e04. jpg

[CCo275]

Sgt. Jason Pacheco, 23, scout sniper instructor, Division Schools, 1st Marine Division

THAT is f'ing cool! Good for him to take a disability and turn it into an advantage for him. :cool:

[CLEARED HOT]

Very, very tough.

[Spot379th]

Each time going through this topic, my allergies kick in...

plus a vitamin-booster from the pictures.

R.I.P. to the fallen. Prayers to the families.

[PV74RU78]

The author is Jimmy Sheeler. I have known Jimmy since 2nd grade. He is a great dude and he lurks here and has for a number of yrs. He does not have a screen name.

Here is the info for the Pulitzer they were awarded in 2006 for the story and photo's

http://www.pulitzer.org/citation/2006-Feature-Writing

RO!!!

I checked out book "Final Salute" from the library a couple of days ago, and I'm about half way through. What a powerful and emotional piece of writing! The photographs are moving and poignant. The descriptions of the various families' reactions to their grief is absolutely heart-wrenching. As for the emotional turmoil Maj Steve Beck goes through - I know for certain I could never handle a job such as this.

God Bless all who serve and those who have suffered.

[SOCOMguy]

Sitting here, looking at the photo seems like its just yesterday. I get choked up!!!!!!!! I got home from Afghanistan in 10. What can one say but they have fought the good fight, they have finished the race, they have kept the faith.

Semper Fi

[ttn539]

we were recently required to do CACO training and these pictures shows you the importance of honoring our fallen brothers and their families

[thepatriot4200]

Speachless. Please pass me a case of Kleenex.

[JoeArmyNCO]

If these pictures don't move you, it's time to get on the first flight out of this country.

[SGTROCK]

Sgt. Jason Pacheco, 23, scout sniper instructor, Division Schools, 1st Marine Division I love this picture. Very moving photo.

Rock

[JABA]

The picture of 2Lt James Cathey's wife sleeping next to his coffin absolutely tears me up...damn!!!

[g6445v]

I'm not a Marine...just wanted to share...someone posted this photo on FB...

[CSU1336]

Very difficult to see. Semper Fi sir, rest easy

[troy2k]

...

[Dragbag]

I tear up every time I see pictures like these, I pray for the family members left behind, I thank those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, Semper FI

[SOTB]

I sincerely hope that whomever took the photo of the Capt had her permission to invade her moment of privacy and grief.

I feel completely comfortable with the idea of having a roving patrol whose job is solely to beat the brains in of any person taking photos of grieving servicemen/servicewomen/families/friends without their permission....

[45b]

I sincerely hope that whomever took the photo of the Capt had her permission to invade her moment of privacy and grief.

I feel completely comfortable with the idea of having a roving patrol whose job is solely to beat the brains in of any person taking photos of grieving servicemen/servicewomen/families/friends without their permission....

I'd have to agree, if anyone posted pictures of me or my family at the old man's funeral without permission, I'd forcefully remove the image both from their computer, and their brainhousing group.

[Freebird]

I sincerely hope that whomever took the photo of the Capt had her permission to invade her moment of privacy and grief.

I feel completely comfortable with the idea of having a roving patrol whose job is solely to beat the brains in of any person taking photos of grieving servicemen/servicewomen/families/friends without their permission....


Agree. A person's moment of expressing grief for the loss of a loved one should be their own private time unless they choose to share it with others.

A camera nut who sees it as a good photo op that can be plastered all over the Internet should have that camera shoved up his ass.