The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Bernard, 21, of New Portland, Maine, died Aug. 14 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, based out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay.
He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be rememberd. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother”. Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare)
REQUEST that all afford my Brothers a Moment of Silence each on Monday 24 AUG 2009 1:03-1:04 PM, EASTERN Time. REQUEST that each Moment of Silence be dedicated each Monday to my Fallen Brothers in order of noticification since prior Monday.
1PM Eastern is: Kabul 21:30/9:30PM, Baghdad 20:00/8PM, London 18:00/6PM, San Diego 10AM
Regarding the AP Photo:
“An AP reporter met with his parents, allowing them to see the images,” the article says. “Bernard's father after seeing the image of his mortally wounded son said he opposed its publication, saying it was disrespectful to his son's memory. John Bernard reiterated his viewpoint in a telephone call to the AP on Wednesday." The Politico
“Out of respect for his family’s wishes, I ask you in the strongest of terms to reconsider your decision. I do not make this request lightly. In one of my first public statements as Secretary of Defense, I stated that the media should not be treated as the enemy, and made it a point to thank journalists for revealing problems that need to be fixed" Secretary of Defense Gate prior to Publication of the Photo.
“I cannot imagine the pain and suffering Lance Corporal Bernard’s death has caused his family. Why your organization would purposefully defy the family’s wishes knowing full well that it will lead to yet more anguish is beyond me. Your lack of compassion and common sense in choosing to put this image of their maimed and stricken child on the front page of multiple American newspapers is appalling. The issue here is not law, policy or constitutional right – but judgment and common decency.” Secretary of Defense in a Letter to the AP
"The Associated Press reported in a story about deliberations about that photo that “after a period of reflection,” the news service decided “to make public an image that conveys the grimness of war and the sacrifice of young men and women fighting it."The Politico Reports
Update 3 to follow with additions above these quotes, but let me put this as politically correct as I can: "Associated Press: If the family says no, then don't publish the photo." And freakin' read the site slogan under the site icon cartoon: "MSM (this means you freakin' AP): Try Demoralizing the Enemy for a Change!"
Associated Press Wall of Shame: Pictures of those that made the decision to publish the picture disregarding the wishes of the family.
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