Legacy MattersOur soldiers in Iraq have used digital photography, video and Internet access to stay in closer touch to family and friends back home than in any other war. Now reports Dionne Searcey in the Wall Street Journal, they are "creating a powerful and raw new wave of war memorials".
On Iraq's Front Lines, Digital Memorials for Fallen Friends. (subscribers only)
When soldiers are killed in Iraq, all you see in the paper is name, rank and age," said Mr. Rieckhoff, a first lieutenant. The videos, he said, are "cathartic and a way to eternally honor their memory."
In another memorial video, Army Master Sgt. Brian Mack, who died in Mosul a year ago this month, is shown in photos riding in a Blackhawk helicopter and in a short video clip rushing a stationary target during gun practice, shooting repeatedly while friends laugh. It's set to the melancholy song "Clocks" by Coldplay.
"Every time someone was killed, we put together a little thing like that," said Sgt. Emmet Cullen, a sniper who fought alongside Master Sgt. Mack. "It helps the grieving process putting them together. Talking about them, seeing them with a big goofy smile on -- it helps."
Here are links to memorial videos made by their army buddies.
Juan Solorio
Zachary Wobler
Christopher Pusateri
With gratitude for your service, may you rest in peace.
Posted by Jill Fallon at January 26, 2006 2:47 PM | Permalink