Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery
John Moore/Getty Images
After spending much of the last six years covering the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, I felt like I needed to visit Arlington National Cemetery this Memorial Day weekend. I felt like I owed it some time.
I went with my family – my pregnant wife and my young daughter. Separately and together, my wife and I have covered a lot of heart-wrenching stories around the world, but Section 60 was unlike any place we had been.
The beauty and serenity of Virginia’s rolling hills and awe inspiring views of Washington D.C. clash with today’s reality of national loss, where grief is raw and in your face. You step over grass sods still taking root over freshly dug graves. You watch a mother kiss her son’s tombstone. Two soldiers put flowers and a cold beer next to the grave of a fallen buddy. A young son left a hand-written note for his dad. “I hope you like Heven, hope you liked Virginia very much hope you like the Holidays. I also see you every Sunday. Please write back!”
Section 60 is not about a troop surge or a war spending bill or whether we should be fighting these wars at all. It is about ordinary people trying to get through something so hard that most of us can’t ever imagine it. Everyone I met that afternoon had a gut-wrenching story to tell.
Mary McHugh is one of those people. She sat in front of the grave of her fiance James “Jimmy” Regan, talking to the stone. She spoke in broken sentences between sobs, gesturing with her hands, sometimes pausing as if she was trying to explain, with so much left needed to say.
Later on, after she spoke with a fellow mourner from a neighboring grave, I went over and introduced myself and told her I was photographing for Getty Images and had brought my family on our own pilgrimage to the site. I told her we had been living in Pakistan for the last few years, how we had come back to the States for a few months for the birth of our second child.
Mary told me about her slain fiance Jimmy Regan. Clearly, she had not only loved him but truly admired him. When he graduated from Duke, he decided to enlist in the Army to serve his country. He chose not to be an officer, though he could have been, because he didn’t want to risk a desk job. Instead, he became an Army Ranger and was sent twice to Aghanistan and Iraq – an incredible four deployments in just three years. He was killed in Iraq this February by a roadside bomb.
I told her how I had spent a lot of time in Iraq and Afghanistan, photographing American troops in combat. I told her that earlier this year I was a month in Ramadi and then a few more weeks in a tough spot called Helmand. I told her how I am going back to Iraq sometime this summer and that I was very sorry to see her this Memorial Day in the national cemetery, visiting a grave.
Mary said that they had planned to get married after Jimmy’s four years of service were up next year. “We loved each other so much,” she said. “We thought we had all of the time in the world.”
After a few moments more, my beautiful wife, Gretchen, now almost 9 months pregnant, walked over with our two-year-old Isabella. Our daughter started climbing over me, saying “daddy” in my ear and pulling on my arm to come walk with her. I felt awkward and guilty about the contrast, but if Mary felt it too, she was nothing but gracious and friendly. I told her that I would forward her some photos of her from that day if she would like and she gave me her email address. We said our goodbyes and I moved on with my family through the sea of graves.
Later on, I passed by and she was lying in the grass sobbing, speaking softly to the stone, this time her face close to the cold marble, as if whispering into Jimmy’s ear.
Some people feel the photo I took at the moment was too intimate, too personal. Like many who have seen the picture, I felt overwhelmed by her grief, and moved by the love she felt for her fallen sweetheart.
After so much time covering these wars, I have some difficult memories and have seen some of the worst a person can see – so much hatred and rage, so much despair and sadness. All that destruction, so much killing. And now, one beautiful and terribly sad spring afternoon amongst the rows and rows of marble stones – a young woman’s lost love.
I felt I owed the Arlington National Cemetery a little time – and I think I still do. Maybe we all do.
Tags: Assignment, Getty Images, Iraq, war
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May 31st, 2007 at 8:31 pm
Thank you for the picture. I will never forget it.
Her personal tragedy mirrors our national tragedy.
She will go on, to live her life. Her gorgeous, virile lover, and too many like him, are gone forever.
Margot Kirsis
June 1st, 2007 at 3:53 pm
Mr. Moore,
It’s a truly touching photograph that really brings home the sacrifice of these brave young people who have given so much to their country and the world in defense of liberty.
This photo has so much going on. It shows sadness, grief, love, beauty, and admiration. It’s truly remarkable and I thank you for your work in covering the theatres of war as well as how it’s impacted those at home so that we do not forget those who have pledged to protect us.
David
June 3rd, 2007 at 5:09 am
I cry everytime I see this picture. You don’t want to intrude on her moment of grieving, but you wish for all the world she never had to grieve at all. All the hatred, and brutality in this world leads us to moments like this. All over the world people mourn those they have lost, except for a small percentage who feel murdering another is their ticket to “heaven”. Heaven is a place these people will never see, and I believe Heaven starts right here on earth, with how we treat one another. (I have no religious base-by the way), But I do believe love will ALWAYS conquer evil.
To Mary; Jimmy will never be forgotten. The love you had for him has reminded SO many what love trully is. That is a gift you both gave through your love for each other. Let that love strenghten you.
June 4th, 2007 at 3:17 am
It seems context is everything. This image cries out for a story and you provided it. It’s there in my psyche, internalized forever. Without your exchange with Mary I couldn’t have had the experience and it seems to me you showed great respect to her. It’s an unfortunate but sensitive tribute.
I’m honored to have met you in Portland this past week. Truly. Safe journeys.
June 4th, 2007 at 8:56 am
Hi John,
I came across this at work and just started crying. Grown man at his desk sitting quietly with tears streaming down my face.
Thanks, and… it is all just awful.
I had encounter the other day with an Air Force Officer just back from Fallujah, hearing him talk was like getting the wind knocked out of me, he remains anonymous (because of his comments I don’t want to name him) but I thought it might be of interest:
http://tarartrat.blogspot.com/2007/06/post-titled-brunch-like-clue-minus.html
best,
Paul
Berlin, D-land
June 5th, 2007 at 9:48 pm
Thank you for sharing such a powerful image with us to remind us of the cost of this war. And thank you for your service, going into harm’s way to share what is going on in Iraq. Best wishes to you and your family.
Steve
June 6th, 2007 at 11:46 am
amen to what was said above. I sit here at work at my desk crying with empathy and sorrow. art can do that to me. great photo.
Dallas, TX
June 6th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
Mr. Moore, I want to thank you for the photograph of Mary. It portrays a side of war which we seldom see. When a photograph can instill so much emotion in the viewer, you know you have captured something truly special. As a mother, especially of children serving in the military, a woman and an American, I was truly touched.
June 6th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
As a former newspaper editor who has long struggled with the balancing act of what constitutes a newsworthy photograph vs the privacy of an individual in such a time of grief, I am moved by this photograph and as the previous posters have noted, context is everything. Bravo to you for not only being a photographer with insight and instinct but one with compassion as well. May God keep you safe in your work and bless your family.
June 7th, 2007 at 8:39 pm
Mr. Moore,
Thank you for this moving photograph and for your story. I held my 6 month old son a little longer tonight because of this photo, because of the grief of this young woman, and because of the life of Sgt Regan and the other soldiers like him who have sacrificed all.
June 10th, 2007 at 6:26 pm
This picture speaks a thousand words; no story was necessary. But thank you for providing one anyways. An award winning photograph in my book. Should be on the cover of a major magazine, would not be able to be passed up at any newstand. God bless you and your family, and especially Mary.
June 10th, 2007 at 11:17 pm
Mr. Moore,
Thanks so much for your story and for your dedication in capturing the stories in harms way. I actually remember you and your family that humbling afternoon at Arlington, not realizing who you were until I read about your wife and daughter. My parents and I were there to pay our respects to both fallen friends of mine from the Army and other soldiers we did not know, but grateful for their sacrifices and the continued sacrifice of their families. You said it well, that “we all owe Arlington a little time.” Every time I visit, I feel it’s never enough. I remember Mary, wondering if I should tell her how sorry I felt, but not wanting to interupt her grieving. I remember meeting Holly, and thinking how amazing she is for devoting her time to watch out for our fallen heroes and their families…especially those who aren’t able to visit Arlington. I remember families who’d traveled miles to visit a lost loved one. Most of all, I remember the endless emotion that lives in section 60….sadness, anger, pride, grief, loss…..but what I remember when I saw Mary that day, was love. I pray for Mary’s continued healing…….and so many others who have lost love ones. God bless you and your family in your journeys…you’re true patriots.
June 17th, 2007 at 10:41 am
John,
Just sitting here at work today when I stumbled across this picture. I couldn’t stop looking at it. It is devastating. And in my opinion, the result of a tragedy that is seeming more and more senseless every day. Politics aside, this picture has really made me realize how many people have willingly sacrificed everything, including those left behind, trying to pick up the pieces of their broken dreams. I don’t know how one ever gets over something like this, and I can’t begin to describe how much I admire those that do. I know this picture has caused some controversy, but I’m glad that it was published, and that I saw it. I think everybody in this country could see it. When I saw your name below it, I wasn’t at all surprised – your pictures are always amazing.
Your friend,
David Gates
Dallas
June 19th, 2007 at 8:23 am
My husband worked with Sgt. James Regan. I remember when I received the call regarding his death and had to turn around and inform five other wives. Regardless of whether I know these men or not, it always hits me like a ton of bricks and I have to sit down and cry before making my calls. The feelings you have when your husband is deployed can be so utterly overwhelming sometimes, and the emptiness that consumes you during a time like this is almost unbearable. I never did have the opportunity to meet Mary McHugh, but my heart goes out to her and to Regan’s family . . . they will always be in my prayers. I know it is very difficult for civilians to understand the war, especially when one sees a picture such as this. I, too, am very proud of Regan’s decision to come into the Army with the purpose of becoming a Ranger. This is very honorable and respectable, but it still doesn’t make their loss any easier. God bless them.
June 20th, 2007 at 2:07 am
Reading this brought tears to my eyes….
My husband worked with Regan as a fellow Ranger…
It was february 9th that I got the phone call of his death. It was a day that I will never forget.
As a Ranger wife you go to briefings on how to deal with loss of your family and of your friends.But when it happens no briefing in the world could have help you.
My heart went out to his family at that moment…I may not have known him personally or his family but I cried many tears for them. It could have been my husband . Though it was my 25th birthday that day, I spent it in mourning for Regan and his family.
I only wish that his fiance could have stood next to me that day that all the men came home, stepped off that bus and into our arms once again.
Only to know that you have to let go and hope they come back to you all over again.
June 20th, 2007 at 10:25 am
My daughter-in-law sent me your link. My youngest son, her husband is also a Ranger in the Army. Thankfully, he has finished his four years serving our country. He isn’t in the same group as Jimmy was, but we heard about the death when it happened. During that phone call your heart does actually stop for a second until you hear that it wasn’t your loved one. But the problem is they all are our loved ones. When you hear of a soldier dying a part of all of us mourns the loss. My prayers, thoughts and hope goes out to that brave woman. She is not alone..we all mourn her loss.
June 21st, 2007 at 11:42 pm
I knew Regan as well. My boyfriend worked with him. I also go the phone call to let me know that he had been killed in action. It was a devastated feeling. Not only did I feel her loss, I was scared for my boyfriend and all of our friends that were over there. My heart goes out to Mary and Regan’s family. It was truly a horrible tragedy. He was an amazing guy.
June 22nd, 2007 at 6:54 am
Thank you
June 22nd, 2007 at 8:06 am
I never respond to these emails, having a younger brother who recently finished his 4 years as an army ranger, I guess having him save I take so much for granted.I just want to thank you for your touching and amazing stories.I am so very moved and deeply touched.My heart goes out to all those many families and may god bless each and everyone of them.
Jen Quinn
June 22nd, 2007 at 10:57 am
As a ArmyWife they try to prepare us for the loss of family and friends. Nothing makes them any less heart wrenching. My heart goes out Mary McHugh and the Reagan Family. Our soilders are all fighting for the freedom of all Americans, so we can have the lives we do and continue to live free. Every one of them is a Hero to me. Gold Bless..
June 27th, 2007 at 1:22 pm
I am a Vietnam war veteran. I very much grieve those who have lost their lives in the name of protecting our country. I strongly believe that this war was begun because George Bush had a vendetta to fullfill against Sadam Hussein. It was not to protect us against the terrorists that caused 911. There was no real thinking about what would happen to Iraq after their government was removed. How could we invade another country without a plan to prevent a civil war? Did we learn nothing from Vietnam about how difficult it would be to train others how to protect themselves from guerilla warfare? Did we learn nothing about how difficult it can be for the survivors of war? It’s true we grieve for the dead and time heals all, but what about those that will have to suffer the rest of their lives as wounded or sick war veterans that our government doesn’t do such a good job of taking care of? My heart grieves for them. We should send the politicians to war so they may reap what they sow. If all the world could adhere to Gods word we would not have these problems.
June 28th, 2007 at 3:45 pm
Thank you for the photograph. I wrote a poem.
Voyeur: Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery
A young woman lies on top of a grave
her shoulders thin
hunched forward white against the green
the sun dress spotted like a leopard
her body stretches along the length of the grave
sinking down inside the earth
ready to break through the wooden coffin
and make love to him once again
The bottle half filled with water
seems empty
a flag is stuck in front of each tombstone
You don’t move his flag
you lie down beside it
next to the colors
bleeding inside the thoughts
I can not know
the three or four white flowers placed in a plastic vase
stuck in the earth next to the fresh white tombstone
Your hair so neatly knotted at the nape of your neck
Your face buried in your hands —
I cry too
but unlike your tears mine do not flow
instead I sit arrested at my desk
guilty at looking into your secret promise
your vow
the wish that he’d put the ring on your finger
before you kissed the earth
before you embraced his grave
Maybe this photograph shouldn’t have been taken
Maybe the photographer should have passed you by
But if he had
then I wouldn’t know
I wouldn’t know.
June 28th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
Mr. Moore: I was very moved by your picture of the woman at the grave of her fiancee at Arlington National Cemetary.
It also struck me as unusual the limited distribution it seemed to have received. I only found it in the New York Times Memorial Day edition. When I went to purchase my daily NYT; I looked at the other newspapers on display and did not see it anywhere. Is there any reason that it was not picked up and published elsewhere? My first thought was that the Bush government put a clamp on it as they have with a lot of information about the Iraq war.
In addition I found it in the same class as the picture of the woman at Kent State grieving over the body of the student. That picture took off around the world. I do believe this picture that you have taken deserves the Pulitzer prize.
My other thought was that this country does not care about the suffering in Iraq and other places around the world. It would rather do everything in its power to forget about it. It is more important to cover the exploits of Paris Hilton and her friends.
In closing I would like to note that the rememberance at Kent State only drew about three hundred people (according to newspaper reports). One of the people attending was the girl in the famous photograph.
June 30th, 2007 at 12:47 pm
Thank you and thank them. God Bless them and thier families.
July 2nd, 2007 at 8:36 pm
I have been moved by many stories, and many photos, but none made goose bumps run up and down my spine, none made me cry like I cried for this one. I have lost a number of friends, friends I grew up with, from kintergarten and spent most of my life seeing these people every day at school, it is sad to lose someone so close to you, even knowing them the way I knew them I felt I lost out on memories.
It is time to bring our soldiers home, it is time to heal the wounds that have been made. We as a whole never got over 9-11 I dont think this nation will, but this war has broken our spirits even more.
Bring our families back to us, let us heal, and move on, move past this terrible time.
July 6th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
Thank you for sharing Mary’s story and allowing us to also give a little time (in a way) to Arlington National Cemetery.
July 11th, 2007 at 9:20 pm
As a young woman whose fiance also went to Iraq, I can’t imagine the pain and loss felt by Mary when her loved one did not return alive. Each time I see this picture, I am deeply touched and break down sobbing.
I am also moved by Jimmy’s courage and valor. I have been reading about him on the internet, and it seems that he turned down both a job offer and a scholarship to law school in order to join the Army Rangers in 2004, after the war had begun. Knowing the dangers that lay ahead, he made a commitment to serve this country in a time of war…realizing that this could mean giving the ultimate sacrifice.
Allow me to share portions of a letter that my fiance (now husband) wrote to me while he was in Iraq, while facing thoughts of life and death. He wrote:
********
“Talin, I hope and pray that I come back home alive and well. But Marines in my battalion will not come home. According to God’s will, I might not come home alive either, and if that happens, I hope that you WILL NEVER, under any circumstance, curse or deny our Maker, the giver of TRUE LIFE. I know you will cry, and I know it will be extremely hard (I mean, it’s me! =)) But seriously, it will be God strengthening you for greater things.
We need to continue to TRUST God that His Will will always be done, that there are NO surprises to Him, and that He DOES answer every prayer…sometimes our way, sometimes NOT!
Remember – to LIVE is CHRIST (that is nice) but to DIE is GAIN (even better!) ? Philippians 1:21. This, we need to believe and live out not only when life is going our way – meeting each other, marriage, law school graduation, kids, homes, money, health, etc but rather when it is NOT. Because of Adam’s sin, we will all die one day. And those who have Christ will awake with rejoicing in heaven. After all, Jesus Christ had to be killed if there was to be rejoicing in the morning 3 days later.
Talin, if I die, I am dead. I cannot come back to life on this earth. While you mourn, your 1st priority, your 1st mission is to pray that God, who keeps his promises, rescues you from the weeping and delivers rejoicing in the morning. When my Dad dies, I need to and will cry, but will later rejoice, because I know where he will be. Same with your parents, siblings,
and yes, even each other. For ALL things work together for the good of those who love God – Romans 8:28. If we don’t live out these verses when it counts, what good is our Christian walk or testimony?
The only reason I can make it “through hell” here is because of the light at the end of the tunnel – you!! And the ONLY reason either one of us will make it if one of us dies is because of what is at the end of the tunnel: the LIGHT is seeing each other again in HEAVEN!!
Through prayer and hearing the words of God in the Bible, God has given me a peace about life and death. We know we can’t avoid death – we all will die one day . Let’s pray that God prepares our hearts and minds for the rocky times. We have His promises ? He is our refuge and -HE WILL NEVER LET US GO!”
*******
Wow! It really makes you think, and was quite encouraging to me. May we know that God is always faithful – whatever the circumstances and whatever may come. He is constant and steady. May our love for him, thankfulness to Him, and worship of Him never be contingent on this roller coaster we call life.
For trials work to strengthen our faith all the more and cause us to grow more dependent on Him. All that God requires is that we remain faithful…love him more deeply…strive to know him more intimately…long to serve Him more readily…rely on Him more steadily…turn over our lives to Him…and fully commit our hearts, souls & minds to His purposes and His worship.
I pray that those who have loved ones overseas will take heart in the following verses as I did when my fiance was away…
Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance, perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and compete, not lacking anything. James 1:3-4
We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope. Romans 5:3
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Come to me all you who are wary and burdened, and I will give you rest. The Lord is my strength and my shield, my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. Psalm 28:7
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5
May the God of Hope fill you with all Joy and Peace as you Trust in Him, so that you may overflow with Hope by the power of God. Romans 15:13
Dear Soldiers and Marines, just know that we love you…so much. We support you. We stand behind you. We pray for you. Come back home safe.
July 16th, 2007 at 7:38 am
This picture is good. The grief is almost palpable. Sad to say, I had become jaded to all the death and injury in the war over the past four years. This picture hit me like fist.
July 17th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
thank you.
i am teary now… i feel for the woman on the pix… where ever she is at, i send my love out to hear silently…
thank you for sharing…
July 19th, 2007 at 5:26 pm
Another victim of Crazy George and the NeoCons. Did he die in vain? You bet. But were her parents, and other family members shot down or blown up by troops of a foreign invading army? Are gangs of bloodthirsty fanatics running riot in the neighbourhood? Are some 50 tortured bodies showing up in rivers on a daily basis? Has the infrastructure been so decimated that electricity and water are only connected for an hour a day. Is the environment polluted for the two billion years by depleted uranium? Are millions of people leaving the country to escape the carnage? Thought not. You’re seen enough movies; the bad guys get wasted. Were you at all sorry for the German soldiers that got wasted in “Saving Private Ryan”? Doubt it. They were unlucky enough to be on the wrong side, fighting for a country led by a deranged megalomaniac. Forget, “My country right or wrong”. That’s so last season.
Live internationally, think internationally. A war crime is a war crime, and a war criminal is a war criminal. So grow a moustache, wear a black hat and suck it up. Because you’re the bad guys now.
July 22nd, 2007 at 12:26 pm
Its the kind of pic that makes ur soul burn. I think about all my friends and their family they left behind, going to my 7th funeral for another fallen brother and hugging 7 different widdows. Be must never forget what we are fighting for. We must finsh the job for thier sacrafice. God Bless Our Fighting Men and Women, and thier families.
-Ft. Benning GA
July 22nd, 2007 at 2:56 pm
I remember how I felt when my new husband went to Vietnam twice and I was left home alone, the first time pregnant, then a new baby and 10 weeks later a broken leg and on crutches and the second tour alone with a toddler after going through hurricane Camille.I longed to have the security of a husband to take care of me. I looked at the picture of Mary and cried for it brought back memories of how I felt, wondering from day to day if a government car would be pulling up in front of my apartment to tell me my husband had been killed. I didn’t have a tombstone to talk to, lucky me, but I had pictures, and talk I did. Well, I never got that government visit like 50 some thousand did and my husband and I have six grandbabies now. I wish Mary and her Jim could have been so blessed. And Mary, if you are reading these blogs I hope you can see that your loss is not lost in the hearts of many as our country plods along in this war against an enemy who would kill us in any barbaric way as to look at us, and that includes children, as well. They are evil and your Jimmy and all those who have sacrificed their lives, limbs and skin are to be most admired and respected.
Then there is crazy Terry Wrist and his 7/19 blog. What a waste of time he is. I wonder what he has done to combat those who would kill him, altho there wouldn’t be much of a loss, would there be? I can tell you he still has not gotten over the elections of 2000 and 2004. He is so full of hate for President Bush one can almost see his head exploding as he writes his blog. He has memory loss, too. Poor soul. I wonder if he has any clue as to what ‘9/11′ is. They say our general knowledge of history goes back to when we were born so maybe he’s only 5 or 6 years old.
To all reading this, did you know of the quote from back in the 1980’s of a terrorist named Abu Nidal? He is quoted in a German newspaper as saying ” Between America and us, there exists a war to death. In the coming months and years Americans will be thinking about us.” (snopes.com and type in oliver twist or Oliver North) And I bet pea brains like Terry Wrist thought we started this war on 9/11 or something stupid like that.
July 25th, 2007 at 1:50 am
I was at Arlington on Memorial Day with family and friends marking the 3rd anniversary of my son’s death. My only child is the 89th soldier to be buried at ANC as a result of death in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Your photo of young Mary shows one image of grieving that takes place every day as more than 3600 families try to figure out how to fill the hole in our hearts that will never heal.
The time you spent at Arlington was well spent as it gave many people insight to the loss that this administration doesn’t want us to see or to know. Our loss is real and you showed it in a way that engaged the viewer; they had no other choice.
Regardless of politics, a trip to Arlington should be mandatory for every American. A trip to Section 60 should be mandatory for every politician.
Yes, we all do owe Arlington National Cemetery a little time.
Thank you for sharing your photograph and the associated story.
Mountain View, CA
July 27th, 2007 at 7:30 pm
This photo and the story that goes with it made me cry. It is so heart wrenching to see a young woman who was so in love with this man, to have to have him taken away before they even got a chance to be husband and wife. It is so sad that so many soldiers have been lost in this war. I can only pray that the war ends soon.
Kassi
July 29th, 2007 at 9:39 am
This is exactly what I expected to find out after reading the title Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery. Thanks for informative article
August 11th, 2007 at 11:33 am
I lost my husband in the terrorist attack on the USS Cole. My husband is also buried in section 60. I saw the photograph of Ms. McHughs. I felt led to pray for her. I’d like to get in touch with her. If you still have contact with her, please send her my email address and let her know that I’d like to be in touch with her. I would greatly appreciate it.
That is a wonderful photo, and as long as she was OK with it, it is not too intimate.
Sincerely,
Sharla
August 17th, 2007 at 9:21 am
I know Mary McHugh. I was her roommate at the time when Jimmy decided to join the army. It was about four years ago. Mary and I have lost contact but I think of her often as she was such a special person in my life. I just looked her up and saw this photo of her and heard about Jimmy now. I can’t even express how very sad this is. I recall how important Jimmy was to Mary and how when he was coming to visit she lit up like a firefly. Mary McHugh is a fantastic woman. And Jimmy was definitely her match. You only hope for the best for two such fantastic people. This war has caused alot of people so much pain. It really brings it home when you know someone who was directly affected. If there is anyway contact info for her, I would greatly appreciate it. Otherwise I will just continue to pray for her and for peace.
September 14th, 2007 at 7:01 pm
I have never seen a picture that descibes the loss that war brings to us as well as this. I feel the pain this young woman feels and every time I see it I cry with her and the others who feel that same pain of loss. Thank for a wonderful picture.
September 19th, 2007 at 10:25 am
I have never seen such emotion from any one photograph. This is a timeless story of love and loss and one that will not soon be forgotten as it is engraved in our hearts by this one simple photograph.
September 27th, 2007 at 7:29 am
Hi Colleen,
Don’t know if you’ll read this since its been over a month since you posted. I haven’t visited this site in awhile but wanted to see this picture again – it is so moving and sadly beautiful. I grew up with Jimmy and our families have always been close. What happened to him is tragic beyond words. I don’t know Mary personally, but I can tell you that I heard Mary speak at Jimmy’s funeral, and I am still in awe of the strength, transparency and grace she demonstrated before a crowd of who knows how many. In those few minutes she made herself unforgettable in my mind. The Regan’s have established a fund in Jimmy’s honor to support injured Rangers. Here is the URL: http://www.leadthewayfund.org/index.html. You may be able to get in touch with someone that way and reconnect with Mary. Obviously I hesitate to post contact info here (the family’s or my own). Wish I could be more helpful… Best, Lauren
October 10th, 2007 at 3:54 pm
I received your image in a Getty flyer at work a while ago. Every time I glance at it, it brings tears to my eyes. You’ve captured America at it’s worst and best. This image brings forth infinite emotions… too many to list.
As an artist, I have to say the composition is amazing. You have a great eye.
Thank you very much for sharing this with us.
December 19th, 2007 at 6:41 pm
Two years ago on Memorial Day weekend, I arranged for a full military honors ceremony at Arlington for the families of three missing aircrew from WWII, one of whom was my cousin. (My intent is to write a book about this crew and their combat unit.) And so I especially empathized with Mary and her deep loss. I don’t mind saying I cried when I saw John Moore’s beautiful photo. But it also made me angry at the continuing colossal waste of life in what I deem an unnecessary war, a tremendous miscalculation by the Bush Administration.
December 20th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
The Mourning (PIC)
[...]A heartrending photo by Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist John Moore, and the moving story behind it. "Some people feel the photo I took at the moment was too intimate, too personal. Like many who have seen the picture, I felt overwhelme…
December 20th, 2007 at 12:30 pm
Mary will forever have a broken heart and for what? Greed. Ego. Those two human qualities are going to destroy the human race. This picture is what the rest of us face because of ego and greed. I weep for man kind. I weep for Mary.
December 20th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
Beautiful and so very, very sad. Thank you.
December 20th, 2007 at 1:13 pm
This really shows how terrible war is.
December 20th, 2007 at 1:14 pm
Beautiful and terribly moving picture.
I feel so sorry for the lady. In a few comments i read, there is talk whether his sacrifice was justified or not.
Let this be clear. Soldiers follow orders, they do not think. They are ordered to kill, they kill. They are ordered to die, and they die.
Whether they belong to a “good” country or a “bad” country, does not matter. What matters is that a soldier fell.
That should be heart moving and reason enough to feel for the loss.
As for the was against iraq- it is unjustifiable, should have never happened, and is a living testimonial of american bullying. Or its “big stick policy”.
I remember the line. ‘Either you are with us or against us.’ No room for neutral positions.
December 20th, 2007 at 1:19 pm
Wow. What a touching photo. Thank you.
December 20th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
This brings it all home; the total waste, the broken lives, the wasted fortunes, the lost opportunities.
December 20th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
[...] You must see the photo and read the article. Link [...]
December 20th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
This image touches me deeply as while a young man of 22 I found myself doing the very same thing as this young woman..
After 30+ years the memories are just as strong, vivid and heart wrenching.. The years pass and you forget – but you never forget…
Christer
December 20th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
I am truly moved by the picture of the young woman lying on the grave. My son has done 2 tours in Iraq. By God’s grace he returned home safely. I can just inagine that young woman being my son’s wife and my heart skips a beat. I pray for all our troops everywhere that they may be safe. I wish all my prayers could be answered. God bless our soldiers for their sacrafice so we may have the freedom to read emails such as this one.
December 20th, 2007 at 3:44 pm
As I looked at this, my heart felt some of the pain this photograph depicted there in Ar;ington Cemetery. We can never really feel it unless we have experienced it, but my heart goes out to this young woman and to others who have , and will go thru the same pain. War and death has always been a ‘hell on earth’.
I am glad that heaven is for all who choose Jesus, who is the ‘Way,the Truth, and the Life’….Heaven,where there is no more pain, no more sickness or death, and where we are once again joined with our loved ones to live together for Eternity!
December 20th, 2007 at 5:48 pm
This is a mighty work of art.
December 20th, 2007 at 6:57 pm
Sir
Thank you for the picture and the story. I am glad that your story left out the politics. It was a story of a love that continued after death. It is too bad that some who have responded could not do the same. The love this young lady had has nothing to do with the politics. If her soldier had died in a car crash or training accident stateside I believe she would of acted the same way. This story is about LOVE and not politics.
December 20th, 2007 at 7:49 pm
VERY POWERFUL PHOTO, WORDS CANNOT DESCRIBE,….
December 20th, 2007 at 11:33 pm
Very intensive picture.
I like the geometry that is supporting the main scene within the image.
Great work !
December 20th, 2007 at 11:48 pm
[...] Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery [...]
December 21st, 2007 at 12:02 am
[...] Written by Getty Images [...]
December 21st, 2007 at 5:23 am
touching …
December 21st, 2007 at 7:43 am
Man, that is one of the saddest photo, I’ve ever seen…
December 21st, 2007 at 10:16 am
I don’t feel the photograph was too intimate. It needs to be shown, just as the caskets coming off the planes should be shown and are not… This is the reality of war. I do photography as a hobby, the best images are ones that need no words. Your’s is one of them.
December 21st, 2007 at 10:37 am
That’s a very touching photo, I really feel her pain and sadness.
December 21st, 2007 at 5:33 pm
This photo shows true sadness, it was needed to be shown, and show how bad the war is tearing up familys.
December 22nd, 2007 at 6:49 pm
thank you to all that have given so much in exchange for so little. any more words are pointless as words are just that,words. THANK YOU
December 24th, 2007 at 2:55 pm
So sad…. in the photograph is everything told!
Wishing you all a peacefull 2008 and Mary in particular!
And thank you John for sharing!
December 28th, 2007 at 10:34 pm
John,
I don’t know if you remember me, I am one of the two Navy guys you worked with in Sadr City in September 2004. I am still in the Navy and currently teach Photography and Video at the Defense Information School. I just saw your report on CNN about Bhutto’s death. This was a very tragic event. Keep those great photos coming and above all, please be safe. Contact me when you get a chance at dusan_ilic@hotmail.com.
Regards and a Happy New Year.
Dusan Ilic
December 31st, 2007 at 10:34 am
I am moved…This photo says it all about this “was” in Iraq. Thank you.
December 31st, 2007 at 12:54 pm
Today was the first day that I shed tears for those that we have lost in the Iraq war. This picture and the story that goes with it has touched me like no other. I wish it would all end and we could all go back to being happy again.
December 31st, 2007 at 1:15 pm
From and old Guy,Made me cry for them.such a loss
December 31st, 2007 at 8:16 pm
There are not any words that can adequately convey how deeply this photograph has touched my heart. I am the mother of soldier who has served two tours in Iraq with a Purple Heart he now wears on his uniform. His service to his country is not over, he proudly serves and will continue to do so for, hopefully, many years to come.
Thank you for sharing this photograph with America. It is easy to forget the depth and breadth of this war especially if it does not touch you each and every day, with every breath you take.
Mary Ward
North Carolina Blue Star Mother
December 31st, 2007 at 9:51 pm
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your wordless reminder of such a huge sacrifice.
I have a similiar experience you might relate to.
I am honored to be a part of The House, Incorporated, a not for profit organization that reaches students in grades 4th-12th in the greater Washington and Northern Virginia area. The House operates a before/after school center, and weekend evenings, as well as a Summer camp program. We serve all students. Statistically, all students are at risk. That doesn’t mean a color, economic statis, nor location. It’s based on the hours between 2pm and 6pm and we know that students with nowhere to go, usually end up going there…nowhere. I’d be honored if you’d take a moment and read a page of my journal from a Leadership Day at The House.
Bless you and your family in 2008 with supernatural provisions and protection.
With warmest regards,
Helen McCormick, President
David’s Story
July 12, 2007 The House at Arlington National Cemetery
The House (TH) Leadership Center arrived at Arlington National Cemetery about 1 o’clock after spending time inside the Pentagon and at the Iwo Jima Memorial on a picture perfect day. There were about 60 of us that day. Among the students was a young man named David. This is his story.
Each Monday at TH Summer Camp the students are briefed regarding the schedule for the week. Among the events scheduled was a trip into DC for leadership training. One of the values of TH is to raise the level of awareness of the student’s individual responsibility by first hand exposure to individuals and organizations that exemplify that. Obviously the military of our nation are prime examples. After the events of 9-11, the Pentagon is a clear example of some of what it takes to rise to a new level of readiness as well as a reminder of the unexpected price of leading.
And of course Arlington National Cemetery is the prime reminder of the cost that accompanies leadership as most gravesites are of people who died while in the act of defending what we as a country stand for. And it is the honored location for the graves of such leaders as President John F. Kennedy and some of his family members and memorials to our astronauts who died while reaching for their dreams, just to mention a few.
But on this day, an unpredicted leader was in the Cemetery. His name is David. David is a 14-year-old student. He is in many ways just a typical kid. He likes sports, junk food and joking. He is untypical in some ways that are obvious and some that are clearly not so easily identifiable. David has a speech impediment that is too obvious to be overlooked. And he often pays a price for that by enduring digs from those around him. Unfortunately such has been his experience from some of the participants of TH.
When David heard that TH would be going to Arlington National Cemetery, he got Todd alone to tell him something that none of the leadership of TH knew nor anticipated. He said that he wasn’t sure he could go to Arlington because he thought he might cry. Of course being able to express yourself in tears is nothing to be embarrassed about, unless you are a typical 14-year-old teenager in a group of 60 other teens!
Todd has an unusual ability to communicate, reason and lead, which kicked into action as he listened to David explain his dilemma. The unknown reason for David’s concern was the fact that his father was buried at Arlington less than two years ago (in Section 60). And obviously the death of his dad has had a major impact on him. And he wasn’t sure he wanted to expose that part of his life to TH. After some encouragement and some reinforcement by his mom later that day, David was committed to the trip.
One of the purposes of going to the Cemetery was to honor the lives of the fallen soldiers of the Iraq war. In preparation each of the students were responsible for writing a letter of appreciation for the sacrifice to the family members of the soldiers. The student would place that letter along with a fresh flower on the graves. Another little added detail was that one of our students mom had served in Iraq and was with us along with another soldier. They specifically came to introduce us all to three of their comrades who were killed while they served together. Such a personal connect certainly went a long way in the learning curve of the day.
As you can imagine, it was a moving experience not only for the students, but also for those of us who stood by in awe of their expressive actions as they walked by one perfectly aligned white marble headstone after another reading the bio of those buried. Some paused and knelt down to touch the headstone. Others simply stood in silence clearly deep in thought. In the background we could hear the sounds of multiple funerals that were in eyesight of where we were. The sounds of Taps being played by the lone trumpeter certainly enhanced what we were all feeling. And the Marine Band standing up on the hill playing our nation’s Anthem, obviously drove into our lives the value of what we were learning. But perhaps nothing was more confronting than the 21 Gun Salutes that could not be ignored.
After the students were finished, we all gathered under a large tree that provided shade and opportunity for a little bit of regrouping. Todd then explained to the students the fact that David’s dad was among those buried at Arlington and that we were about to walk to his gravesite with David. That was a gripping moment to say the least. The walk was long. But understanding the chance to be with someone whose dad was buried there seemed to erase the distance. Not to mention the fact that that someone was one of their own peers.
As we approached the area, Todd, David and two other students began to find the specific location among the sea of similar headstones. The rest of us paused quietly. Then suddenly we heard David yell; “Dad. Dad. Dad”, as he ran toward his grave. We all quickly moved to join him but none of us were prepared for what we would see. David by now was on his knees with his arms wrapped tightly around his dad’s headstone as if he was hugging him with all of the strength he could. His crying was too obvious and the moment became even more than sacred.
As we stood together we could hear David tell his dad that he missed him. And then he told him that he brought a lot of friends with him. “Dad, you will like my new friends. They came to say hello to you too. I miss you, Dad.” I know he said a lot more, but honestly, my emotions seemed to drown out the words as I watched. Then I became keenly aware of another part of my surroundings. It was the tears of the other students that caught me by surprise as they had begun to personalize what was happening.
David stood up and began to tell us all about his dad. Todd led him through the process by asking some questions like: “What did you and your Dad like to do together?” David then with a big grin told us how they would sit on the couch and watch football games together while Dad would drink his beer. Atlanta Falcons was his favorite team. Todd asked him how his dad would feel about the Philadelphia Eagles shirt David was wearing. His response broke the solemn-ness as he smiled and said; “Dad would just laugh.” Then he looked down as if he could see his dad and reaffirmed; “I still like Atlanta best, Dad.”
As if we weren’t even there David began to bring his dad up on the latest news about their family. “Grand mom is ok. But she sometimes gets on my nerves! I wish you could see your new grandkids. You would really like them.”
Then we were completely unprepared for what we were about to hear. “Mom is ok, too. I’m glad you aren’t here to hit her the way you used to Dad.” We all seemed to be frozen for just a second that seemed like forever until David then spoke these words: “I forgive you Dad for doing that.” (Wow…my eyes are full of tears right now as I type.)
I’m not sure how we transitioned from there. But as only he can, Todd began to walk us through what we were experiencing as we learned what we could not have imagined nor could have learned in any other setting. Little did we know what was about to transpire as we stood among a sea of stones but only aware of one headstone at that moment.
Todd asked the kids if they had anything they wanted to say to David. One of the students immediately responded by saying; “I’m sorry that your Dad died.” In his sweet way, David said; “That’s ok.”
Then we were stunned again as one of the students said: “I’m sorry for the way we treat you sometimes at The House.”
No way! I really didn’t hear what I thought I heard did I? But I did.
And in unison I watched as the kids locked eyes with David and shook their heads in unison affirming that apology. Perhaps even more amazing was what David was about to say. “I know I get on your nerves sometimes but I don’t mean to. I like all of you and want to be your friend.” Then he looked at his Dad and restated; “Dad, you would like all of my new friends.”
Let me put into perspective what I believe God had just done. He took an unlikely to teach the message of forgiveness in the absolutely most unpredictable setting to the most attentive congregation. When David told his Dad that he forgave him for what he did to his mom, without realizing, he preached to his peers. And they got it. That’s precisely why they then within minutes were able to confess their apologies and receive their forgiveness. I am not even sure if David is a Christian actually. But at that moment he personified the message of salvation. And what he taught was caught.
We had saved three-dozen beautiful roses for David to give to his Dad. Each of the students that had been carrying them handed the bouquets to David and he carefully laid them down in front of the headstone. Then David gave his Dad a ‘high-five’ slap on the marble stone as if it was his Dad’s hand in his. One of the students asked if he could take David’s picture with his Dad and happily David wrapped one arm around that stone and smiled from ear to ear.
As we walked away I saw, not heard, the rest of the story of salvation. Unlike when we arrived at the grave, the students left in joy. David was flanked by kids, shoulder to shoulder as they walked away toward a new future. Others walked with their arms around one another. They all left forgiven and absent of the guilt they had carried to that grave. Hmmmmmmmmm. That almost sounds Biblical.
I guess I can only say that what I saw and heard that day was no ordinary miracle.
…facing tomorrow today
Helen McCormick
The House, Incorporate, President
14000 Crown Court, Suite 105
Woodbridge, VA 22193
703.928.1402
571.237.5860
http://www.thehouse-inc.com
January 1st, 2008 at 1:08 am
John,
I found my way here through a friends blog. I just want to say how…emotion stirring this blog was. My cousin’s husband is leaving later this (2008) year for a tour in Afghanistan as part of the Australian Contingent providing protection for contractors rebuilding the war torn country. I see pictures everyday, but it doesn’t sink in, until one of “your own” is sent into harms way…well that is my view at least.
This photo is truly amazing in that it says so much and rings so many feelings, within a person, without any prior knowledge or association.
Thank you sir.
Chris
January 2nd, 2008 at 8:10 am
To John
Your photo was touching in it’s truth. Mary McHugh shed tears for her beloved Jimmy Regan – and for all those who lost loved ones. She is a brave and inspiring lady
To Mary:
We have never met but I want to you know that I do pray for you and your beloved Jimmy – in love, it still continues
And if I should go while you are still here
Know that I live on vibrating to different measure
Behind a thin veil you cannot see through
You will not see me so you must have faith
I wait for the time
when we can soar together once again
both aware of each other
Until then live your life to the fullest
And whenever you need me
Just whisper my name in your heart
I will be there
As always
Forevermore
January 4th, 2008 at 9:29 am
I just saw this picture for the first time. It is so touching and reminds me of the time when my Dad who was a WWII veteran died. I could not stand it, knowing that I was NEVER going to talk to him again. Every day I would go to the cemetery and just sit there on the grass and talk to him. I did this for 3 years, in grieving. I can understand the passion of the grief that this woman has for her fiance’. When you lose someone unexpectedly,,,,, you ask “Why” and it is even harder to accept.
Even though this is a very personal photo, it is one that touches the hearts of anyone who has lost a loved one…thru any means.
It also shows how senseless this war is… I support our troops.. My husband is Vietnam Veteran, which we all questioned even more than the Middle Eastern War…………but one day,, hopefully we will all have Peace and live in Peace in this world. Isnt that what God, Ghandi, the Kennedy’s , Martin Luther King,John Lennon, etc wanted for us??? Yes I am a 60’s girl and still have that attitude in my heart.
Give Peace a Chance!!!!!!!!!!!
January 10th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Arlington is truly a place to behold. Thanks for sharing this glimse with everyone. A picture sure does tell a thousand words.
January 11th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Mr. Moore, Thank You for the picture. it truly is a picture worth being seen to remind us how much we need to pray for our troops and also to pray for our country and our leaders. My heart goes out to Mary and to all the familes that have lost their loved ones because of this awful war. I pray for you, Mr. Moore for willing to be put in harms way to take pictures to remind us what is going on over there, and also to your family and to all the families that have loved ones over there. I belive that if the ones we elect would listen to the american people there would not have been a war. God bless America
January 11th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
I am not very good at expressing my emotions but wow, the picture is so profound and could stand alone, but the story touches your heart just a much.
I wish there was a way that I could crawl into my monitor and give this young lady a hug and tell her how sorry I am for her lost but at the same time so grateful that there are people like Regan who are willing to put their lives on the line for all of us. Thank you.
January 13th, 2008 at 6:29 am
Karachi January 13, 2008.
Dear John,
This is not a dear John letter but just to express my admiration for your picture of Mary McHugh in front of the grave of her fiance James “Jimmy” Regan. The intimate lays in the distances you left bewteen you and Mary. It shows the respect she and her “Jimmy” deserves and the engagement you developed towards the family and friends of the victims as well as the boys and girls out there you photograph.
Also fantastic coverage of the Sad and disghuisting Bhutto asassination. Unfortanatelly we missed each other in Islamabad last week but inshallah we’ll meet in February for the elections here in Pakistan.
Greetings,
Jerry Lampen
January 15th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Mr. Moore -
I saw this image on Dec. 31st and still I can not get it out of my head. I want to thank you and to Mary for sharing this moment.
I am a daughter to a retired Air Force airman and I know that seeing this image is close to home for myself and thousands of others.
Thank you again for your work and for this beautifil photo.
Regards,
Kristen
January 16th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
I was so moved by this picture. My daughter lives in Arlington and works in DC and we have been to Arlington Cemetary a few times and have seen the Wreaths placed on the graves, we have seen burials, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and they have all moved me and touched my heart this picture has also touched my heart! My love to you Mary
Lori
February 3rd, 2008 at 4:32 pm
It is hard to put into words what this powerful image conveys. My heart cries every time I view it. It is an image I cannot forget. One needs to take the decision to enter any war very seriously. We all do well to remember that any “victory” we achieve towards this end comes only at the expense of untold pain and suffering, such as what we witness here. It is a very sobering image, indeed, and I am grateful to Ms. McHugh for allowing the world into her personal space so to ever serve as a vivid reminder.
Lois
February 8th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Dear John,
I know that you can read me if I write in spanish, I´m right?
I found this blog today.
Vi la noticia de que habias recibido el premio World Press Photo 2007. Mis felicitaciones por eso y recorde todo tu paso por la guerra de Irak, tus maravillosas y aun asi, dolorosas fotos de tu paso por la guerra.
Nos hemos conocido personalmente en tu paso por Buenos Aires, alli cerca del 2001/2002. recuerdas? Espero que si.
Te mando un abrazo enorme desde Argentina. De nuevo mis felicitaciones por este premio y realmente me alegra saber de ti nuevamente.
Si quieres escribirme, te dejo mi mail personal.
Daniela
February 29th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
This is one of the most arresting images I’ve every come across. It is a perfect story by itself.
(For those who claim that the Internet is “impersonal,” let them come to this scrolling testimony among strangers of gratitude, creativity, affection, and love.)
March 19th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Thank you for taking this picture. Mary was innocent in the terrible trajectory that brought her before your lens, just like the thousands of mothers and wives in ruined Afghani and Iraqi families. The portrait is very touching and I sympathize with her loss: I visited my own lover’s grave two weeks ago. But as she told you herself, Jimmy sought out an especially deadly assignment in a deadly industry; he “didn’t want to risk a desk job.” This attitude is not entirely his fault, for although he chose his fate with free will and open eyes, our culture also teaches the corrupt values that support his position.
Your picture reminds me that victims of the war are everywhere and each one’s experiences are unique and devastating.
March 31st, 2008 at 6:31 am
You must pay the woman in the picture.
March 31st, 2008 at 6:38 am
This is another picture thats makes me sick. This photo and its photographer doesn’t respect people’s privacy. And its a shame it’s made under the name of news making. It’s made under the name of moneymaking. So sad
Barry
March 31st, 2008 at 7:02 am
Wonderful photo!!! One of the best photo’s i’ve ever seen.
March 31st, 2008 at 7:04 am
Thank you for taking this picture.
It’s so easy to talk about freedom. We can just proclaim our ideals, go demonstrate, blog about it or go to the voting boot. But in the end we need brave young people who fight for it in defense.
To stay free, we have always needed these young and brave people willing to act in favour of the freeworld, instead of only proclaim something about it. People who are willing to risk everything for our freedom.
As this photo show’s this needs both brave people at home as on the battlefield.
March 31st, 2008 at 7:16 am
Heartbreaking picture, and very good job you did.
I felt bad when looking at the pic, and the story behind.
We in Europe, as far I know hate to see these pics and stories, and only have one wish!! When this rediculous war is over?? WHEN??
Of course many lives off soldiers are lost, but even more lives are destroyed by this war, family,lovers,friends,etc,etc,….
I cannot express my feelings here in words, but I feel very sorry for all the people who lost a love one, so STOP THIS WAR!!! and all the wars in the world……just stop it!
With appologizes for my bad English, GOD BLESS YOU ALL
March 31st, 2008 at 7:24 am
This picture shows that we should reconsider being in places of the world we should not be. Countries like Irak and Afganistan are crowded with people who dont appreciate the so called help the west is giving. Lets draw back our brave soldiers from those places. War should only be fought at our own borders when attacked.
May 20th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
A moving photo at the true cost of war, costs that are always greater than any man, women or nation can bear, it is these sacrifices that should never be forgotten, a child without a dad, a woman without her fiancee, and even now a family without a mother. The one thing that all these saw was worthy of that sacrifice was the cause of freedom, may we who either could not go, or were unwilling to go, do everything in our power on this side of sacrifice to both vote for, and vigilantly gaurd these liberties that they have sacrificed for. I’m reminded of the quote by Patrick Henry “Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What should they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!”. Our threats to liberty are not from without, but from within. The chief of which is good men doing nothing.
May 22nd, 2009 at 10:35 am
[...] To learn more about John Moore’s beautiful image, please visit here. [...]
May 24th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
I come to this site every year so that I do not forget the sacrifices made in our name. I recognize this kind of grief. It is a grief from which you never recover. It is the unspeakable loss of love, of potential, of hopes, of dreams but, most of all, a loss of a piece of humanity, a piece of ourselves, which will never be again. It is the tragic waste of a vibrant young man and his equally vibrant fiancee. He is dead and she is as scarred as any veteran who served. This picture is the only visible sign of her injuries.
As in other conflicts, it is the artist (John Moore) who tells the true story of war – not the politicians and not their partners in crime, the media.
May 25th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
[...] Memorial Day at Arlington National CemeteryFrom 2007, but worth revisiting. After spending much of the last six years covering the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, I felt like I needed to visit Arlington National Cemetery this Memorial Day weekend. I felt like I owed it some time. [...]
May 25th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Excellent picture and a very thoughtful story.
Terry Wrist.
You are unbelievably spineless. Your kind really are walking eugenics advertisements. I don’t guess you would have the nerve to shoot off like that if you weren’t hiding behind your computer or in a mob of other like minded halfwits. I would surely give you the hiding of your pathetic, miserable life. You have the right to your free speech because of these soldiers but be careful what you say as it could get you a well deserved beating. You offend me and all others with any decency. Vermin!
May 26th, 2009 at 12:14 am
An amazing image… It had me thinking and thinking and thinking and thinking. So sad, so poignant, so well composed, so shocking. Unreal. So man things at once and at once such sadness.
May 26th, 2009 at 2:54 am
This is a beautiful photograph, but also a very sad photograph. My heart goes out to Ms McHugh. The photo depicts a scene that has been repeated since time immemorial. Unfortunately it has been necessary for the scene to be repeated because evil exists in the world. It always has and it always will. The scene is repeated because we cannot cower before the evil. As a Viet Nam Veteran I am fully cognizant of the duty we have to confront evil and the calculated cost of so doing. What makes Jimmy Regan a hero is not that he died for freedom or his Country, but that he knew evil when he saw it, knew the possible consequences of confronting it, and with full knowledge of these facts didn’t shirk from his duty to his Country and his fellow man. Here is something very poignant written by John Stuart Mill that I include as a tribute to Jimmy Regan. Since Ms McHugh knew and loved Jimmy, she will understand completely. Unfortunately, the myopic, and those devoid of honor, some of whom have posted here will sadly not.
“War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things: the decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks nothing is worth a war, is much worse. A man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his personal safety, is a miserable creature who has no chance of being free, unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself. As long as justice and injustice have not terminated their ever-renewing fight for ascendancy in the affairs of mankind, human beings must be willing, when need is, to do battle for the one against the other” –John Stuart Mill
June 1st, 2009 at 3:21 pm
sorry for the very late response…i only just got this……my very best friend in the world serve in the military. after she got out, she had the honor of working at arlington. every time i visited her, we would make our solumn pilgrimage up that long hill….if this were paper, it would be somewhat blurred from tears….this is for my cousin ronny, 18, who lost his life in viet nam, so long ago……for my good friend, bob aaron, who served in korea in a different era and has spent all but 22 years of his life in a wheel chair as a result of it….for my father, who drew the buildings he had to blow up….the people he worked with in the french underground and the schrapnel in his leg that caused such a problem every time he went through a metal detector……and for all the service personnel who have ever stood a post so that others could sleep in peace……and all the wives and girlfriends who have had to leave their beds to let the men they love fight again the battles they left behind in distant lands. WAR! WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR? ABSOLUTLY NOTHING! but, it seems that the” peace in the valley” that is sung of is a whistful longing in our deepest hearts. thank-you for writting this and my most deepest thanks to all those who, over the years have paid the price for our freedom!!!!!!!!
June 4th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Thank you for the beautiful photo and the story behind it. This is a photo of sorrow beyond all words. I truly regret her loss. Perhaps some day we will have the wisdom to end all war.
July 14th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
I just saw the picture in an email and searched the web to find out more. It just curshed my heart to see Mary laid out on the grave as if she was trying to get to her love. May the peace of God be with her always.
August 4th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Does any one know how Mary is getting along?
August 13th, 2009 at 10:28 am
For Mary: We, the airmen,soldiers,marines,sailors fighting the war here in Afghanistan send our wishes and courage to you–as we all know how hard it must have been to overcome the irrecoverable loss of your beloved one. Ma’am, we will fight and defend, with whatever it takes, to bring peace, harmony, stability and growth in the land of Afghanistan–protecting the American soil, the American people and the US Constitution. Jimmy’s bereaved soul rests in peace, as willing by God he has deserved his place in the heaven. He watches over you, wishes for you and longs you to be happy–as he knows his untimely departure has left you in tears and sorrow. He loved you, he loves you and his love will last forever–may his soul R.I.P.
For the McHugh family: Your son has not only lived his life once, but he has lived his life for an eternity–as every one of us, fighting the war for the US, we represent him–everyday!! Please do not grief that you’ve lost a son, but i plead you to be strong and support your other sons/daughters like us, fighting to protect and defend our freedom.
For John: Very very touchy picture and thank you for sharing the sorrow to the rest of the world–you have helped the world understand more about the War and its outcomes. I am deeply saddened hearing about Jimmy being KIA. Kudos to your work and keep the shutter rolling. Please (if possible) convey my above messag to Mary and the McHugh family.
August 14th, 2009 at 12:51 am
I’m trying to reach John Moore over a personal matter. If you could have him email me at cognetti09@hotmail.com that would be fantastic.
December 2nd, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Since I am not american I apologise for my english.
Thank you John for your picture. Thank you for sharing with us yopur view of that moment. I am writing you from Spain, where the bond with the military is far from being as tight as yours in the States. I HOe the best for your soldiers oand ours.
Para Mary, en español. Un beso enorme. Ni me imagineo el dolor que pasaste. Espero que tu vida sea feliz y plena.