By know you have heard of the AP's decision to publish a photo of a Marine in his dying moments in Afghanistan. This decision came despite the fact that Lcpl Bernard's family practically begged the AP not to publish this photo. This decision also came over the objection of the Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, who wrote a letter to the AP asking that they not release the photo. For more on those involved in the final decision to publish, please see War On Terror's article on this page.
I personally have not seen the photo in question, nor do I have any desire to. I believe it to be an intrusion of the worst kind into what should have been a private moment. So what good can come from this? This is only my opinion, but this is what I believe and how I would view the photo. For those of you who have seen the picture or wish to, please keep this in mind.
While Lcpl Bernard may have been thousands of miles removed from his blood relatives, make no mistake that he died surround by family. He was close to family as his life ran out on some dirty patch of ground in some dirty country. A sacrifice made for people who think of his as a dirty job in a dirty war. He was surround by and comforted by people who loved him and will mourn his passing just as much as those who are blood relatives. They held his hand, tried to make him comfortable, and let him know he was not alone at the most terrifying moment of his all too short life. They did not love him because he was born into their family. They loved him because he chose to be a part their family. He wanted to be a part of something bigger than himself, and that is why he stood on a pair of yellow footprints in the dark at Parris Island. That is why he put himself through the hell known as Marine Corps boot camp. He wanted to EARN the title Marine. And when he walked across that grinder on graduation day, earn it he did. And in doing so he joined a family of Brothers and Sisters who know that someday they may have to answer the call. They may be asked to go in harms way, and they may die. And still they go, every day.
So if you must view the photo, or are trying to make sense of it, look at that way. A young man, surrounded by people who love him, making a sacrifice for people he didn't know, and many of whom don't care. Lcpl Bernard, like all those who have answered the call and made the ultimate sacrifice, are better than those who they protect.
"Greater love hath no man that he lay down his life for his friends"
God Speed "Bernie" SEMPER FI!
Stumble It!
