Yesterday we posted a press release from Task Force Freedom that featured a photo taken by Michael Yon. A number of people have written wanting additional information about the incident. Mr. Yon provides all the details on his website in an entry titled Little Girl.
05/06 UPDATE: We wanted to bring this entry back to the top and let you know that Blackfive has additional information about this incident on his site. Included are an interview with the photographer, and a note from LTC Kurilla, the 1-24 INF Battalion Commander.
Comments For "Yesterday's Photo":
When I viewed this photo yesterday, I was moved by this soldier's compassion for this little girl. I am heartbroken to know that this incident took her young life, but am given some reassurance that this wonderful soldier did all he could to comfort her and seek out medical care on her behalf. He is a true American hero. God bless our troops and the Iraqi children whom they protect.
This photo captures the spirit of America and is a tribute to our soldiers! Every American should realize our soldiers are doing more and more every day to help everyone they can! GOD BLESS OUR SOLDIERS....our American heroes and may this little child rest with the angels now. May her family seek comfort in this!
Thank you for posting the story behind the picture that I have been wondering about all day. I agree that this picture captures the spirit of America and our soldier. It really saddens me that they were not able to save her but comforted to know they did everything they could to do so. I am so sorry that our soldiers and those children have to experience such evil.
Although the soldiers name is mentioned...I could not help but think that could be ANY ONE of our soldiers that would respond that way. We are there to help the people. It just saddens my heart that there is such tragedy to be found on a daily basis. I pray for a turn soon.
Never have I seen a picture that touched me so much! I pray for the people and the soldiers in Iraq everyday! Thank you for wrapping your loving arms around this child! She is in a better place now and this means we have one more angel watching over the people and soldiers over there! God bless!
They say that "a picture speaks a thousand words" - this photo proves that old expression to be so true. The way that this true American Hero is cradling this little innocent child speaks volumes about our soldiers. This photo should be on the cover of Time magazine (or similar publication) instead of the undeserving subjects that they have often featured on it over the years.
I would like to praise the brave soldier for taking this innocent child, and sheltering her in his arms. Not only are you brave, but compassionate. May God shelter you in the same way, and give you great rewards. Most of all I pray He brings you back to your family safe, because you are one special being. God bless all our troops.
My nephew is also a major in the Strykers, . I emailed Mr. Yon and mentioned this and thanked him for showing the world how brutal the insurgents are. I wished him prayers along with the other Strykers. To my great surprise, he emailed back over the night to thank me for my email. Imagine...our simple acts of typing an email give much comfort to our guys in harm's way. Keep up the support, America!
Comments For "Yesterday's Photo":
When I viewed this photo yesterday, I was moved by this soldier's compassion for this little girl. I am heartbroken to know that this incident took her young life, but am given some reassurance that this wonderful soldier did all he could to comfort her and seek out medical care on her behalf. He is a true American hero. God bless our troops and the Iraqi children whom they protect.
Posted by: Meredith | May 4, 2005 5:17 PM
This photo captures the spirit of America and is a tribute to our soldiers! Every American should realize our soldiers are doing more and more every day to help everyone they can! GOD BLESS OUR SOLDIERS....our American heroes and may this little child rest with the angels now. May her family seek comfort in this!
Posted by: strykerfollower | May 4, 2005 6:22 PM
Thank you for posting the story behind the picture that I have been wondering about all day. I agree that this picture captures the spirit of America and our soldier. It really saddens me that they were not able to save her but comforted to know they did everything they could to do so. I am so sorry that our soldiers and those children have to experience such evil.
Posted by: Strykeraunt | May 4, 2005 8:53 PM
Although the soldiers name is mentioned...I could not help but think that could be ANY ONE of our soldiers that would respond that way. We are there to help the people. It just saddens my heart that there is such tragedy to be found on a daily basis. I pray for a turn soon.
Posted by: Debbie | May 4, 2005 9:37 PM
Never have I seen a picture that touched me so much! I pray for the people and the soldiers in Iraq everyday! Thank you for wrapping your loving arms around this child! She is in a better place now and this means we have one more angel watching over the people and soldiers over there! God bless!
Posted by: Kacie Greene | May 5, 2005 5:40 AM
They say that "a picture speaks a thousand words" - this photo proves that old expression to be so true. The way that this true American Hero is cradling this little innocent child speaks volumes about our soldiers. This photo should be on the cover of Time magazine (or similar publication) instead of the undeserving subjects that they have often featured on it over the years.
Posted by: Linda May | May 5, 2005 6:13 AM
As I looked at this picture I was moved to tears. Thank you sharing it with us. We are so proud of all our soldiers.
Posted by: Alta | May 5, 2005 3:59 PM
I would like to praise the brave soldier for taking this innocent child, and sheltering her in his arms. Not only are you brave, but compassionate. May God shelter you in the same way, and give you great rewards. Most of all I pray He brings you back to your family safe, because you are one special being. God bless all our troops.
stryker mom also.
Posted by: Brenda Stanford | May 6, 2005 4:53 AM
My nephew is also a major in the Strykers, . I emailed Mr. Yon and mentioned this and thanked him for showing the world how brutal the insurgents are. I wished him prayers along with the other Strykers. To my great surprise, he emailed back over the night to thank me for my email. Imagine...our simple acts of typing an email give much comfort to our guys in harm's way. Keep up the support, America!
Posted by: Dan Hughes | May 6, 2005 1:21 PM