A tearful farewell for soldiers in Taunton

What a great photograph up top of the small child...heartbreaking.

Our thanks to the troops and their families and bravo to John Tlumacki for this evocative photo.

i hope you all come back safely

unfortunately i doubt it

stop this war

What an amazing photo! Great job!

I hope we are soon done doing this to families. The sacrifice our sons and daughters make without reservation is too much to ask for a war that should not have been waged.

Pick the boy up, hug him for every moment that you can!
To hell with standing at attention.
This is a very sad picture, heartbreaking.

The photo of little Morgan leaning on his father as the soldiers are lined up is crushingly sad. What all of these children, spouses, brothers, sisters, parents go through as they wait for their loved one to return safely is indescribable. What the soldiers go through is unimaginable.

When will we ever learn?

Good Luck and stay safe

i have trouble leaving my son at daycare never mind leaving him to go to iraq ,may morgan's dad and all the rest make it home safe

To all the soldiers:

Thank you!

That is a very powerful photograph.

and the saddest, most heart wrenching picture of the year goes to....

God Speed. That picture says a lot. Kids need their fathers, too.

Another amazing photo by the great John Tlumacki...depicts the sadness and fear felt by family members.

It just breaks my heart to see these men's sacrifices to fight a never-ending war. It is us who suffer most. Just look at that young couple, and the little boy leaning on his dad's leg, maybe never again-this is not fair at all.

god speed to each and every one of you
many thanks to John Tlumacki for one of the most powerful, painful photos I've seen in a very long time.

That photo just broke my heart.

What a senseless war.

holy cow. what a picture. Thank you, troops!

I can only picture my 3 year old son who means everything to me after seeing this picture. Stay safe and get back home to your little boy, that should be your only mission.

this should be on the cover of Time

God Bless our Troops. The sacrifice that these men, and their families, make, should really put everything else into perspective for us back here at home.

Good Luck and come home safe

I would not trade one American Soldier for the lives of every Iraqi. Do whatever you need to so you come home safe.

The photo of Morgan leaning against his father should be nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. It really speaks to what it means for all those who have to go, and to those left behind. No one can ever replace the time a father and son can spend together. Good wishes and Godspeed for all our troops.

EVERY time we see a soldier, male or female - from every branch of service -- we need to say THANK YOU. I make it a point to do so and the look in their eyes when you thank them is something!

What a heartwrenching photo of Morgan with his father.

Godspeed, and please be safe.

As all here have stated, the picture is powerful. It shows the cost of freedom, the cost of constant vigilance. Everything we have is because some father, some mother, was willing to do what this man is doing. We are the ones who benefit, Men and women like Mr. Riddick are the ones who pay the price. Freedom is never free, although many treat it as if it has no worth.

God Bless all of them and bring them home safe.

God Bless all the soldiers. May they return safely back to the arms of their loved ones. I pray for you all and your families. This is just so unfair for a war that never should have been. God Bless You.

What an emotionally strong picture. Thomas, Morgan, and the entire Riddick family will be in my prayers. Thank you John Tlumacki for capturing such a poignant human event.

I was fortunate to be in attendance as these soldiers marched off. A Taunton family has already lost one of theirs to this war. I can not even imagine what these brave men and women and their families are thinking tonight. Our world is in a sad state of affairs. Pray that these defenders of what we so often take for granted, return home safely. Pray also that our Nation and its leaders work with other Countries and their leaders to finally make this workd a better place.

A sad photo indeed. Hooah to the 772d MPs!!

As a military wife and soon to be military mom, my heart, prayers and strength goes out to all the family left behind. Remember that the ARMY is a family and we are here to help another, do not forget that your units Family Support Group is there to assist in any way.
My husband is to be deployed in February and my son to go to BT in May.
God Bless all the Families and Soldiers!

I have never seen a picture so depressing in my life. Somebody should frame that picture and put in on the door of the white house.

This is just so heartbreaking... Our poor families! We need to bring our troops home as soon as possible.

What war will be next? We need to stop our Imperialistic policies around the world ... only then will the world stop hating us! Our country provides great humanitarian work around the globe but we also exploit other countries for their natural resources, cheap labor (i.e. child labor), & the concept of "spreading democracy". How many more times will we support a government overthrow only to find that we've put another dictator in place? The world hates us because of our hypocrisy.

Wow... amazing photo... my heart breaks for the little boy and his dad... please pray for a safe return.. President Obama bring these kids home.

God Speed to you all.

I can't stop crying, what an amazing photo. May God be with all our soldiers.

Amazing photo!

May God protect them and bring them home safe and to the families back here, I have walked a mile in your shoes - so please know that I am so grateful for your sacrafices as well.

On behalf of our family, thank you for your service!

May the year fly by and they are back home, safely in your arms.

That's a very powerful picture.. you got there..having a 3 year old child leaning by his father that..
It's heart breaking to see the ones we love oversea.. and it's definitely difficult to see that we are still in this and thinking when will this be over so we can have our friends and family by here with us again.

BRING 'EM ALL BACK HOME. God protect them while they're over there.

its such a horrible thing that has been ongoing for sometime now with young people going over there and coming home in body bags.

the picture of the little boy that will not leave his dad is extremely sad. thats something that he will never ever forget.

My heart breaks for that little boy. Hopefully all the men and women will return safely to their families soon..

THANK YOU to all the troops.

I wish you fond farewell, stay put and make it back safely
OIF 2003-2004

Give 'em hell boys, and come back safe! God bless and God speed.

And thanks!

My thoughts and prayers are with the troops.

Thank you for what you do.

GO GET 'EM GUYS!!! FINALLY GETTING TO GO DO WHAT YOU SIGNED UP FOR!!! HOOAH!!!

The soldier line-up photo with boy could be the best journalist photo in the world for the last 10, 20, 30 years. Photojournalism does not get better than this. "The Flags of our Sons."

Heart wrenching photo that really tells the tale of how this stupid war impacts the core of America. Thank you George W. I hope you are proud.

Time magazine stuff right there. Really demonstrates the sacrifice our soilders take serving our country. If only Congress and the Whitehouse see the damage they are doing to this nation with this senseless war. That child represents the majority of us Americans, who just want this mistake to be over, wish it had never happened. There should be no more children, wives, or parents that have to get that which is the world to them taken away. Our soldiers are true heroes, doing what our nation requires them to do, even if it is wrong.

what a touching photo. so sad.

Thank you George Bush! I don't see you making any sacrifice!

You soldiers are great citizens. I hope you return safely.

But I agree with that poor little kid. Keep all our dads home !

It's a dumb war. Bush is the damn stupidest president we ever had.

picture says a thousand words but also can raise thousand thoughts and emotions - may the power of love be your guardian angel....

I was moved to tears knowing that little boy is an innocent victim of Bush's war.
Thank you to his Dad and all of the soldiers who make me proud to be an American.

God Bless our Soldiers and their families. May they return safely. Instead of doubting this, spread hope and blessings. The war affects more peoples lives in more positive ways than we can understand here in America, where we take our basic freedoms for granted daily.

All these soldiers have volunteered their time and lives to fight for this country - they were not forced or drafted. Would you all stop with the "When will we ever learn" and "Stop this war" rhetoric. These soldiers need your support and best wishes - not negativity because you don't agree with what they are standing for. They chose to join and leave their families fearing the worst.

Good luck to all troops - god speed.

That Picture belongs on the cover of TIME Magazine!!!! This picture breaks my heart.

Sad--all of it..but what is even more sad i-- it is no more a front page item.....
why? I can think of a lot of reasons but it should be up front and in your face...the deployment...the death..the injuries... How many have died since this began????? Journalism takes a back seat and is not what it used to be in many ways....

That photo brought tears to my eyes. To feel that little boys sadness is heart wrenching!! We can only hope and pray that his dad and all the other men and woman return safely to their families. Thank you for your bravery and may God bless you all.

It's time to bring them all home!!!

Let's hope that as a result of next Tuesday we won't be seeing any more photos like these!

Immensely touching! Couldn't hold my tears.My prayers are with the troops and the little fella.

Honor their sacrifice, support their family's sacrifice, and remember they serve so that you have the choice of dissent or approval.

There was not a real reason to send US soldiers to Irag! Now we have no need to have an excuse to keep the soldiers there anymore. Let Iraq take care herself, send kids' fathers back, send old mother's sons and daughters back! This is a terrible mistake for US to start this war!

There is no reason for these soldiers to go to Iraq; they were never a threat to us. These soldiers need to be with their families. I pray this soldier comes back safely. Heartbreaking.

God bless them!
As a former soldier in the US Army and married to a Marine, I know all too well what it feels like having to leave y our family behind to fight for your country.

As a mother of a son who also served in Iraq, my heart goes out to all of the families of these wonderful men and women....My prayers for you all to come back safe to your loved ones...

He's five foot-two, and he's six feet-four,
He fights with missiles and with spears.
He's all of thirty-one, and he's only seventeen,
Been a soldier for a thousand years.

He'a a Catholic, a Hindu, an Atheist, a Jain,
A Buddhist and a Baptist and a Jew.
And he knows he shouldn't kill,
And he knows he always will,
Kill you for me my friend and me for you.

And he's fighting for Canada,
He's fighting for France,
He's fighting for the USA,
And he's fighting for the Russians,
And he's fighting for Japan,
And he thinks we'll put an end to war this way.

And he's fighting for Democracy,
He's fighting for the Reds,
He says it's for the peace of all.
He's the one who must decide,
Who's to live and who's to die,
And he never sees the writing on the wall.

But without him,
How would Hitler have condemned him at Dachau?
Without him Caesar would have stood alone,
He's the one who gives his body
As a weapon of the war,
And without him all this killing can't go on.

He's the Universal Soldier and he really is to blame,
His orders come from far away no more,
They come from here and there and you and me,
And brothers can't you see,
This is not the way we put the end to war.

We have asked of Morgan Riddick more than we have a right to... just as we have asked of his father more than we have a right to.

We should be treating these men and women like Kings and Queens for what they do for us. I couldn't even imagine saying goodbye to my son, not knowing.......

I cried when I looked at this picture...it really broke my heart.

Talk about a heart breaking picture. May the good lord be by your side and bring you home safe and sound to that young man. My heart broke to see such a picture. May God be with you all. God Bless

Thank you all for your service............my family and i appreciate your sacrifice

kid leaning against soldiers leg, easily the best photograph of current times I've seen in a long long time.

I am reading a paragraph about the number 13 at our school's Vetran's Day assembly. I am very fortunate to live in a country with soldiers who fight off their lives for us. I just want to say "Thank You so much" to all the soldiers.

Troops, be safe and God speed!

You Men and Women are the HEART AND SOUL of The United States of America, stay safe and GODSPEED and never forget real American's will always have your back and anyone in this Country who doesn't' can GFT's!!
Lot's of LOVE from Brookline MA.

God Bless, and Support All Our Troops
Thanks For All You Do

"BE SAFE" TO ALL OUR TROOPS...What a beautiful photo - also bittersweet. My son did a 16 month tour of duty in Iraq so my heart is with all our troops and there families. We need them ALL home. Keep them all in our prayers!
I will be adding this photo to my "Tree of Honor" in support of the troops which is displayed on my front yard adorned with yellow ribbons and with a large flag

Can't wait for the photo when the little boy is reunited with his Dad....God Bless Them All!!!

Thank God for these brave men and women! This shot reminds us what they sacrifice for our freedom and safety!

I hope President McCain is able to bring them home safely so we can all celebrate their victory!

Terribly sad photo of the child and his father.
Why aren't any of the Bush kids in Iraq? 'Cause their last name gives them a free pass, I guess....

POWERFULL, I cant' get this picture out of my head. I drove by the green while the deployment ceremony was going on, I wish I had stopped to wish them a safe deployment.

Thank you Mr. Tlumacki

God Bless. Thank you

Thank you for the photo. Clearly it has touched folks deeply and in various ways. I would like to see it hung in a gallery next to a photo of a parent grieving a child who had the bad luck to be "collateral damage." The full price of this folly will not be known for a long time. The pain, though unevenly borne, is enormous.
In electing our leaders we should remember that peace begins within us. A candidate who is not at peace with him or herself cannot be trusted with our military.
Peace.

Absolutely fabulous photos here!

Be safe, boys. We'll get you home soon.

What A Fantastic Photo God Bless to all the Heros out there who Risk their Lives for Our Freedom. Come Back Safely.

Thank you all for your prayers that is my son TJ and granson Morgan his son Dylan and daughter faith all his family were there we pray for his safe return and all of the soldiers god bless you all

In my opinion - (boy by his father) one of the most emotionally stirring/powerful photographs I've ever seen! It's an image that captures and expresses so much - it's timeless - truly worthy of commemorating/recognizing.

Too powerful for words. All Americans pray for your safe return. We must all act to end this senseless war.

I can't wait for the other photo...the one where the little boy is back in his Dad's arms one year from now...

I want to see a follow up pic with Morgan hugging his dad upon a safe return!!

I wish them well and hope for a safe return for each and every one.

Beautiful photos, the first one w/ the boy and his father was especially moving.

I can't wait for the other photo...the one where the little boy is back in his Dad's arms one year from now...

sometimes a photo takes your breath away. this one does that. powerful and beautiful. thank you. peace.

Stay Safe Thomas. Dear Mr. President, bring our fathers,mothers, sisters, brothers, husbands, and friends home soon for all the Morgan's of this great Country. These children deserve them home more than they belong in Iraq.
Maureen

You think that maybe, just maybe, the families of our fine servicemen and women may be reading these comments? And maybe as human beings capable of compassion we should censor our negativity a little?

Truly aweome, that top photo. God bless 'em all.

It's good to see those who care about and defend the country.A stark contrast to the parasites who live in this great country but do nothing to support it.

TJ come home safe we all love you and will miss you so much. they do need to end this war, love mom

TJ come home safe we all love you and will miss you so much. they do need to end this war, love mom

Thanks guys!

I saw this article earlier today 5 minutes before a meeting with my government clients and I was late for I had to compose myself (me being tough, rugged, biz man). Can't phantom suddenly leaving a 3 year old for a year not knowing that if he will be back!!! I travel 100% and have two little boys and it is still sad saying good bye to my kids every Sunday night/Monday am and coming back Friday nights. At least I come home on the weekends, talk to them twice a day to see how their school day/soccer game/piano lessons (ok, the older loves piano - Tae Kwon Do was not for him, don't laugh). I have few friends deployed and it is not easy for them to communicate with their loved ones regularly. Thank you Bush 41 and 43.

You all seem to be smart and intelligent folks here (I don't have a political agenda) but please, please vote for a guy who is willing to get us out of Iraq. Or vote for the guy who wants to stay in Iraq until they have their own twin towers and stock market. Just vote. Please. It is an honor and a duty. Please. This nation depends on its citizens each doing their part - we need smart people!!!

Great picture that needs and will be framed somewhere for ever. As GH said, I think we all would love to see a picture of a 4 year old boy with his dad. I PRAY that it happens. Please, please, please God – let it happen!!!!!!

unbelievable photo capturing a moment some might have never seen - including the president. but would that change his mind?
thank you to the troops, our undying gratitude for doing the amazing job you signed up for with courage and accepting the sacrifice that comes with it.
and please, president obama, so right by our troops - bring them home.

I showed my wife this picture, and she immediately burst into tears...which made me do the same.

We're so proud of each and every one of you. Please come back safe.

Oldsfc,
I have to take offense at what you say... Just because I don't support the war in Iraq doesn't mean I wouldn't defend our countries' freedom if necessary. The problem with the current war is Iraq didn't threaten the freedom of our country. We are still free... We have been free since Sept, 12, 2001, and free for hundreds of years before 9/11. Al Quada is in AFGHANISTAN, AFGHANISTAN AFGHANISTAN NOT IRAQ! The troops aren't defending the freedoms that my grandfather (and possibly yours) died for in World War II. This is about a president and the failures of his father (and no I haven't seen the movie "W") It really wasn't all that hard to figure out.
God bless our troops! Especially since they are fighting a war that they don't belong in. They are the bravest of the brave. I hope the young boy in this picture sees his dad again.

One of the truly great photos ever taken. Extremely sad. God Bless our troops!

Some pictures are worth a thousand words and some are..... "Thats my daddy and one day I am gonna grow up to be just like him"
Thank You Folks.

This army wife thinks people should be able to respectfully speak their minds...it's part of living in a healthy democracy and what we all sacrifice for. Deployment is incredibly difficult time for these families. Do what you can to support them and our troops. May they all come home safe.

First off God Bless All of Men and Women who serve.
It's pretty simple actually. You can vote for McCain and this picture will just continue to happen or you can vote for Obama who I believe will get us out of their post haste.

I want to reach into that picture, pick up that little boy and hug him and tell him how proud I am of his daddy and that he will be home soon!! That picture immediately broke my heart and made me cry!

I pray for the safe return of Morgan's dad....and all the dad's and MOM'S who are far away defending this great country. May you all come home safe, sound and into the arms of your loved ones......like Morgan Riddick.

This will be among the saddest photos I've ever seen. I will pray for both father and son. This photo is about government - not war.

Mr. Bush, Mr. Cheney, Mr. Rumsfeld, Mr. Powell, Ms. Rice, Mr. Rove:

I hope you're proud of yourselves.

Sleep tight.

Tj, i wish you well and a safe return. we will all miss you very much. i am so proud of you and your troop. dad says he loves you.
love, your big sister

What a crushing moment! Wow! A picture says a thousand words.

I have 2 sons, 3 and 6 - I'm starring at that picture in disbelief. My wife walked away in tears after looking at it.

I don't know what to say.

May God be with all the soldiers and their families, especially their young children. My heart breaks for them.

I have young kids around the same age, I feel so bad for this young fella. The photo says it all, the flag in the child's hand and all he wants is for his father not to go. It underlines the sacrifices being asked of all our servicemen and women and their families.

My husband is currently serving in Iraq. He left behind a 12 year old son and a 7 year old daughter who miss their daddy very much. These men and women make the ultimate sacrifice for their country. We pray for each of you nightly for a safe return home. Thank you for all you do!

I already have the date on my calendar for a year from now when we will see this brave soldier reunited with his Son. People like Mr. Riddick are the reason we have the luxury to live in the greatest nation on Earth. On behalf of my family, THANK YOU for your service to our Country.
Good luck, and Godspeed to you and your Unit. I honestly can't wait to see the photograph of you coming home to again see your 4-year old son!! There will be twice as many tears on that day--of happiness--from everyone; no matter what their political affiliation may be. Be safe, do your duty, and you'll be back in time to watch the Sox win another Championship with your Boy!

Save that photo please i would like to buy it when i get back from Iraq -772 Soldier

Thank you and I echo the sentiments of the previous posts. God bless you and your families during this enduring time. Your sacrifice is truly appreciated.

He is three years old!!! Bush 41 and 43 - are you reading this?!? He might NOT see his dad again, ever!!! Your egoes is killing us. You have NO right deciding on sending our troups to kill other human beings just so you can sit in your fat ass in the white house and saying you did it for the nation. No right what-so-ever! You two will retire, have body guards for the rest of you lives while everyone else suffers. Damn you!!! I did not vote for you but the country did and now we are paying for it. Please people, DON'T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE AGAIN. Two decades of Bushes are enough...

Pointless war.

Good Luck LT Mcgillicuddy and all of 772nd MP CO. Be safe and stay focused throughout your deployment

God's speed. Stay safe, and Thank you.

I was there to see my baby brother off...ok he's 23...but, I'm 40, so he is a baby to me! The father in the picture did pick up the boy for a quick kiss and hug just before the official fall-out. It was heartbreaking to see the kids crying, yet the dedicated men and women stood at attention during the hour long ceremony in the cold staying focused and standing strong. I am looking forward to their homecoming ceremony next year and encourage all to join.
God Bless all!

Multiple this little boy by thousands....and that is how many little boys and girls have to watch their parents deploy every year, and how many wives and husbands are left waiting. Remember that and keep these families in your minds.

Thomas is my son-in-law, and to watch this with my daughter and the three children,Faith, 7/ Dylan,5 / and Morgan,3 , it tears me up.The family thanks all of you for you thoughts and prayers. We pray the year goes fast.

I was fortunate enough to attend this heart-wrenching ceremony yesterday for these courageous young men and women. My son, Jim, is one of the soldiers of this 772 MP Company who deployed yesterday and all I ask is that you all keep my son, and his entire unit, in your prayers over this next year and pray for their safe return. Thank you.

Yeas..The Little Boy is sad. Theres also another picutre this photographer didnt get which was this litle boy and his 2 other siblings sitting on the ground getting hugged by there mother crying, which in turn made me cry as i stood off to the side listening and watching...Love You Dereck..And Can't Wait To See You March Down The Green When You Get Home...

Please post tributes to our soldiers at www.memoriesofasoldier.com. The site is quite new and is set to launch on Vets Day. We'd really appreciate your participation and will be honored to learn about your loved ones who are serving or have served.

Please post tributes to our soldiers at www.memoriesofasoldier.com. The site is quite new and is set to launch on Vets Day. We'd really appreciate your participation and will be honored to learn about your loved ones who are serving or have served.

I know he's only 3, but I hope he can take some comfort and pride in knowing what a patriot his father is. Stay safe. Come home soon. God Bless You.

God bless each and every one of this group and all those who are already serving our country. I hope and pray they will all return home safely. Everywhere in this country, normal human beings would be heartbroken looking at this picture it is so heart wrenching. How the devil Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and yes, even McCain, can sleep at night or even face the public, I will never know. All they think of is war. War is not the answer, Diplomacy is the answer. God willing, COOL HEADS NOT HOT HEADS AND DIPLOMACY NOT RUSH TO WAR wilI be the order of the day in the next administration.

same il

One of the most heartwrenching photographs I have seen. God Bless the child, his father and all others going through this War. Better yet, bring them all back home.

Right now its a year, young Morgan will be lucky to see his father again before he turns five, if at all. These men are in the National Guard...To guard this nation not others. Obviously the citizens of this country do not agree with this war or they wouldn't have to send reserves for tours of duty because the enlistments for full time soldiers is so low. And the government can't even stick by the contracts they sign with these brave men and women, extending their tours well beyond what they agreed to do in good faith. Stop loss has got to end and so does this war.

"THANK YOU!!" TO ALL OUR VETERANS - PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. BE SAFE.

NICE GOING BUSH...YOU IDIOT!!!!!

This is my little brother and my nephew Morgan and being there by there side yesterday meant a lot to me and I still cry looking at this picture Morgan,Faith, and Dylan will miss you and so will your nieces but we will take care of them while you protect our country I am so proud of you TJ and my you come home save and sound. I love you!
Love your sis,
Erin

God Bless all our troops and stay safe and come home soon!!

The photo of that little boy and his Dad brought me to tears. My brother in law served 2 tours in Iraq and had to say good bye to his children twice. It breaks my heart to see that little boy trying to stay with his Dad. Making it worse, he had to be pulled away. What a heartbreaking memory for his dad to have to carry off to war with him. God Bless our troops and bring them all home safe.

A truly amazing photo, definitely worthy of an award. It encapsulates so much emotion (a dad, child and family being apart) , important lessons (about duty and sacrifice) and the state of our world (politics--the cost of decisions, terrorism--the face and place of it, humanity--can we work harder and smarter to live more in peace, harmony and prosperity from every corner of the globe). There is no straight and easy answer/solution to this War on Terror, the military presence in Iraq and the gulf, the strained state (both personnel and economically) on our Armed Service, and the strain it is placing our on country from a civil perspective. What is clear is that we must always commend, thank and support our service men and women. We must listen to them, we must honor them, and in every way literal and figurative, we must always salute them and give our gratitude for their sacrifice. Even the ones who come home have suffered much and lost (especially time away from loved ones). The ultimate sacrifce of giving your life for your country in the line of duty is beyond words how brave, noble and inspiring. Yet, tragic for all the reasons mentioned (was their sacrifice necessary, could our leaders done more to protect and prevent their deaths?). In 5 days we get to exercise our right as Americans to vote for a choice of president. The war is a paramount topic and path of distinction between these candidates. The next president will have an absolute impact on the status of these soldiers heading off for deployment, and all that are in service, recovering from injury, or trying to re-acclamate to civilian life. Think long and hard about your decision, considering all aspects of the impact to those in service (how will they be funded, will they exit their term in Iraq or Afghanistan in honor for the hard work they have done?). And in 12 days, we will celebrate our annual National Day of Recognition for our service men and women on Veterans Day. My thanks goes out to all currently in service, those that have served in uniform and do so now in civilian life, and especially to those who have served and sacrified with their lives. On that day of honor, do something to honor them all. And every day thereafter, always remember to both support and thank them for all they do. May they all return home safely, may we always support them fully, and make every effort to keep them out of harms way when not paramount to natiional security concerns. God Bless and God's Speed to all you service men and women, and our thoughts and prayers of support to your families while you are way. Morgan, you should be so very proud of your dad...I certainly am. And I pray for you and your family today and every day

that is my nephew and bother in law the kids and the rest of the family will miss you alot. i could not help my self from crying with the kids.that was the hardest thing to do taking the kids from thier father. please hurry home and be safe to all who fight for us

John McCain calls increasing taxes on the rich [air quotes] "punishing success." I wonder what he'd call these pictures of sorrowful National Guard family members bidding farewell to their loved ones. Personally I call it an example of [air quotes] "punishing success."

This is a definite Pulitzer Winner!!!!!!!!! What a photo!!!!!!!!

An amazing photo. If you can stare at this photo and not be brought to tears, you need to find a (new) soul. Just heartbreaking...

I Hope you all will come back home safe and sound.
What a heart breaking photo! My heart goes out to all these brave men and women and the innocent kids!

Will the politians ever feel the pain of common man?

Wow I cry when I see that photo. I hope all return home safe. I hope we will know when these

good luck to all of you

Holy Cow, yeah that's a moving photo all right. I can't imagine how difficult this must be. Please end this war now.

When I see photos like this my heart is sad... Especially when so many forget or refuse to believe this war could have been prevented. We should all pray hard that they return home safely to their families... and may God bless our peacemakers...

This photo should be on a magazine, so sad . Stay safe troops, can't wait for you to come . Sgt. Joe (squally) Pimental I'm gonna miss you at work. Take care.
Rene' Carr

aww I cant wait to see my boyfriend return home next year.

This photo is extremely touching. This unit is replacing us. They will be in good hands. For those of you that want to bash on these amazing men and women, just think about this...I do not see you making the ultimate commitment???? What have you done for our country? Sat on your rear watching TV, eating good home cooked meals, go see a movie whenever you like? Think about that. These men and women did NOT have to enlist. They did. Their country called upon them along with the 100's of thousands before them. Now, either back them up or get out of their way...they are just following orders and doing their duty!

When will we ever see peace on earth? Wars have been around since the beginning of time. When it happens to hit in our era we tend to judge to quickly.
I think what is needed here is the fact the good lord created the world we live in and no matter how far we are to the other side of it we need to look after the lord's people.through good times and bad. We not only protect someone's freedom we, protect our own. Evil lurks around us and in order for the next generation to live free we have to serve and protect those youngester growing up and moving on to the next generation.. Yes these men are our hero's and although we would love to see all the troops come home safely a fallen hero somehow returns in a casket.I hope that these fallen hero's families are always taking care of and not those who have invaded us looking for a hand out in the home of the brave and the freedom we have enjoyed in this country for many generations These's wonderful photo's say it all and may the good lord looked after all of us and the men that serve our country.

I worry every day. I hope you all are okay and coping with what is going on around you. Keep your chins up, your eyes and ears open and come home safe. I admire all of you! It takes a special person to do what you're doing for us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.