Doggedly searching for the crux of the biscuit.
For the past year, the Rocky Mountain News has followed Maj. Steve Beck as he takes on the most difficult duty of his career: casualty notification. As Beck and his comrades at Buckley Air Force Base keep constant watch over the caskets of the men they never knew, the Marines also comfort the families of the fallen, and choke back tears of their own.
It's all part of a tradition that started in 1775: Never leave a Marine behind.
After the knock on the door, the story has only begun.
It's a long piece, with an accompanying photo gallery that deserves awards (this one strikes me as particularly poignant), but one that deserves wider attention than it is likely to receive. I don't recommend you read it at work—not because there is anything remotely inappropriate, but because it's so absolutely heartbreaking. I couldn't do Major Beck's job.
(via conscientious)
TrackBackTotally failed to follow your advice not to read this at work, and now I'm just far too depressed to do much else.
A very important story, and one that, as you say, deserves wider attention.
I had to drag myself to the end of this story. "Never Leave a Marine Behind," has always been an admirable, yet illogical, trait I've never quite understood. That is, until now.
Posted by: TrickL-D at March 17, 2006 10:16 PMI had to explain to my child why I was crying. I have conflicting emotions of deep sorrow and pride.
Posted by: Ru at March 17, 2006 11:35 PM