Few pictures move me more than this one.

From a reader at the Tennessean:

Dear Tennessean:

The Tennessean’s April 5 photograph of young Christian Golczynski accepting the American flag from Marine Lt. Col. Ric Thompson is one of the most moving and emotion provoking images I have ever seen.

I attended funeral services for Christian’s father, Staff Sergeant Marcus Golczynski, on April 4, along with my six year-old son, dozens of Marines, and several hundred others who came to pay tribute to this fallen hero.

As one would expect, many of your readers were touched by this incredible picture.

Staff Sergeant Golczynski had previously served one full tour in Iraq. He wrote to his family, shortly before his death on March 27, that he had volunteered to do this a second time due to our deep desire to finish the job we started.

We fight and sometimes die so our families don’t have to. Tragically, Staff Sergeant Golczynski had only two weeks remaining on his second tour. I look at the photograph of Christian every day. It is displayed prominently in our home..

Our hearts ache for Christian and for all those who have lost loved ones in this controversial conflict. Our nation is at a historical crossroads.

Do we call an end to the struggle in Iraq or press on. Staff Sergeant Golczynski eloquently told his son how he felt about giving up.

Perhaps there is a lesson for all of us in this man’s life and the choices he made. He was undeniably a man of tremendous courage and conviction.

America must now choose whether to complete the job.

When I look at the face of Christian Golczynski, I am reminded that doing what is right is not always easy and doing what is easy is not always right.

Christians dad knew that too.

James Drescher

There are thousands upon thousands of stories like the Golczynski family. But I think their’s does a commendable job of reminding us of what our soldiers fight for, and what they leave behind. And the incredible heroism and sacrifice made by all of them.

My utmost and deepest respect goes out to all of the men and women who have served our great nation.

I hope each and everyone of you has a wonderful day today.

Posted by Robbie Cooper on Monday, May 28th, 2007 | Trackback |