Proud American

Such a photo appeared on the front page of the New York Times's national edition, (see below) a picture of the scene after a bombing in Baghdad. Adding to the chaos of the bombing which killed at least 21 people and injured at least 66, was a shooter, maybe targeting people in the crowd.

An amazing and touching set of photos! Look at the soldier standing upright and alert while everyone else runs! Some news photos are so rich in symbolism they're almost like renaissance paintings in how much they communicate.

Amid all the Iraqis who are running from the gunfire was a U.S. soldier, standing tall, perhaps looking in the direction of the gunshots, not apparently looking for cover.

An Iraqi boy seeks shelter behind the soldier, a member of the 82nd Airborne Division. The boy knows who will not kill him but will save him.

The first picture shows it all. The Lad's face shows he is scared to death, and he's running to the safest spot he can find: this soldier who stands between him and danger.

It would be difficult to stage a picture that provides a more poignant metaphor for the role played by United States in this wretched world.

That Lad just did a virtual essay on "What America Means To Me".

I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN~!!!!!! How 'bout YOU

Now this Woman Loves our Troops and their Families!

http://mfile.akamai.com/21772/wmv/gannett.download.akamai.com/21772/streaming/wmv/hancockportraits.asx

Hopefully you will love this as much as I did. Bob