12/15/2005: Grief of a soldier's wife

xoB sent along this Time.com photo essay on iraq war families dealing with loss, and two of the shots put a tear in my eye... this one, which is fourth of ten, and the one that follows it in the series at that link. You should go there, because Time presents the images better than I do.

You can take it any way you like, but the grief I feel, I want to be free of the politics of it all. For once, it's not to multiply by it shouldn't have to be like this, or to divide by on such an honorable mission. It is the same grief no matter why it happened, no matter whose fault is behind the decisions. Because the soldier doesn't make those decisions, s/he only lives and sometimes dies working on the mission given. In service that doesn't change with the party in power.

I've seen a couple of articles/programs about men like Major Beck and the impossible task they do. I can't imagine having to do that job.

I wish I could be free of the politics of it. But is it really wrong to ask why this is necessary? Can we really say that if they had not died we would have been less safe? I keep on remembering the phrase 'To support and defend the Constitution'. Is that a definition of this conflict?

This doesn't make me want to honor their sacrifice any less. It just means that I have my duty as a citizen, the duty they swore to uphold.

What's really sad is that ten or even five years from now, Congress will find some way to shortchange the veterans, the widows, and their families when everyone stops paying attention.

I'm proud of the job they did, ashamed of the circumstances that put them there, and sad for their families and friends.

No, richlevy, it's not wrong to ask why this is necessary. But please take that kind of talk elsewhere. In keeping with the intimate image, and Undertoad's remarks, your freedom of speech is intact, but inappropriate in this context.

I have lost loved ones. My dad drew his last breath as I held his hand and watched his face dissolved in a sheen of tears. The questions as to the decisions about his care and the competency of the doctors attending to him were not invalid, only inappropriate.

There is a time and place for such talk. Just not here, not now. You understand, I'm sure.

I pledge allegiance to the flag
and to the republic for which it stands........
...a moment of silence here...
I can't go there.
not again
a service to my country whose majority is unappreciative.....
I won't delve, other than to say......
"God bless the USA"

I hope this war produces something that the survivors of those who gave their lives to build it can take pride in. At this point, we just don't know.

I hope Bush looks at these photos every day. If only to drive home the real cost of this war. Unfortunately, I have a bad feeling that he feels no cost is too great.

According to the news 60% of the folks over there got to vote for their OWN gubment , it MAY decline into the typical secular hairball ,
BUT ( and this is a BIG BUT ) we helped give THEM the chance to make their own choices, what they do with them is their own fault and responsibility .

I mourn the loss of fellow comrads trying to give these folks the RIGHT TO CHOOSE , I hope they don't disshoner the losses we have incured on their behalf .

that was a gut wrenching series of photos. i can't imagine the pain...

Why did I look?

crying.

For some strange reason, the politics of this never occurred to me as I was looking at the essay. All I could see was that poor woman's pain, and that Major Beck's job had to be just about the worst job in the entire universe.

You were not kidding. By picture four I was misty. I would love for this thread to become the most frequented daily pic on the site.

<a href="http://www.todaysmilitary.com/">I couldn't even begin to imagine</a>.

Jesus, I love the Marines. Good people.

it's a dirty job but it has to be done by someone.

I remember reading about how every body is escorted all the way home. A military escort never leaves the coffin unattended from the time it leaves Iraq until it's lowered into the ground. The escorts sleep on the planes, trains and floors of funeral parlors, to ensure the coffin is never misplaced, misrouted or mishandled.

I'm amazed that by now noone has mentioned the film "We Were Soldiers" in reference to this thread. Their taxi/telegram method really chapped my cheeks, and the way the wives handled it got right up next to my soft spots.
Makes you wonder who really has the shit detail...the troops on the front or the families at the home front.
Personally, I'd rather fight than sit home wondering if my home troop is coming home or not, and if yes in what condition.
Fuck war. It sucks any way you turn it. Big question is: what is the alternative? I may regret posting this one but....WTF?
My views on this topic vary depending on my mood. PTSD?.......hmmmmmmm.........

Jesus, I love the Marines. Good people.

Semper Pi

Thank you, UT.

Great film, the telegrams were awful. Your post was honest, nothing wrong with that.