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all 40 comments

[–]Dr-of-Journalism 53 points54 points ago

The morning after we took an S vest in Kandahar province, the Mullahs and village elders from the surrounding villages came to the compound we were staying at with food and other items to give their condolences. It was pretty powerful. The people of Afghanistan are very good people. Minus the ones who are truly lost and decide that blowing themselves up is the way to attain heaven. I wish peace for the fallen Marines family.

[–]broo20 15 points16 points ago

That, to me, is the reason we're in Afghanistan. It's not for our country's gain, it's for their country's gain, it's not for oil.

[–]Dr-of-Journalism 17 points18 points ago

the country of Afghanistan was once a vacation spot during the 50's and 60's. It used to be a very nice place where women coul go to school and be considered equals. While I feel the country of Afghanistan will never be as prosperous or technologically advanced as any other third world country there is still some hope for that country. But it's people must want to put forth the effort. Its like te adage " You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink". sry for errors, on my phone.

[–]IAMJesusAMAA 3 points4 points ago

Most people don't seem to understand that, it's sometimes hard explaining it too but this picture says it all.

[–]pete2104 0 points1 point ago

the messiah!!

[–]austro-american 0 points1 point ago

Perhaps the soldiers have a different motivation than the leaders who put them there?

[–]ekki 4 points5 points ago

What is an S vest?

[–]Dr-of-Journalism 13 points14 points ago

suicide vest

[–]broo20 14 points15 points ago

This reminds me of two things, both are very powerful to me, even though I'm not religious.

One is the Airman's Prayer by Hugh Brodie

Almighty and all-present Power, Short is the prayer I make to Thee, I do not ask in battle hour For any shield to cover me.

The vast unalterable way From which the stars do not depart May not be turned aside to stay The bullet flying to my heart.

I ask no help to strike my foe, I seek no petty victory here, The enemy I hate, I know To Thee is also dear.

But this I pray, be at my side When death is drawing through the sky, Almighty God, who also died Teach me the way that I should die.

And the other is a quote from the Turkish leader Mustafa Ataturk, after the terrible Gallipoli campaign.

Gallipoli - Memorial at Anzac Cove by Ataturk. "Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives… You are now living in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours… You, the mothers, who sent their sons from faraway countries wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace, after having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well." Ataturk, 1934

[–]dartmanx -5 points-4 points ago

Insert obligatory Armenian Genocide statement here.

[–]news_and_coffee 38 points39 points ago

Nationality aside, that's pretty powerful.

[–]weltall_id 6 points7 points ago

A striking image.

As a side note, that is THE best salute I've ever seen ANY civilian render--nationality aside.

[–]drgk 0 points1 point ago

My first thought when I saw the photo is he could be Afghan Army who served with the fallen in question.

[–]eyehate 6 points7 points ago

Damn.

That got me a little misty eyed.

I bet that old fellow knew and respected our man in uniform.

[–]Hymnosi 6 points7 points ago

The dead bear no allegiance, and should be respected by everyone.

[–]Greatest30 15 points16 points ago

Is there a story behind this?

[–]xixoxixa[S] 22 points23 points ago

I found it on facebook, but a reverse google image search turned this up from a Russian blog:

July 26, 2011. Operational Base Jackson in Sangin. The District Governor Mohammed Sharif during the funeral salute to the monument, established in honor of Sergeant Ralph E. Pate, Jr.. Pate was killed in action during a military operation. (USMC / Cpl. Logan W. Pierce)

[–]Isenki[!] 7 points8 points ago

That makes it even more striking, considering Sangin is in a Taliban stronghold.

[–]IAMJesusAMAA 3 points4 points ago

Probably why the man is upset / saluting the grave, he knew they were there to help.

[–]MD_Lurker 0 points1 point ago

He was a Gunnery Sergeant.

[–]AerialAmphibian 7 points8 points ago

http://shakespeare.mit.edu/henryv/full.html

From this day to the ending of the world,

But we in it shall be remember'd;

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;

For he to-day that sheds his blood with me

Shall be my brother...

[–]spartanmammal 1 point2 points ago

Well there goes my weekend.

[–]cunnalinguist 6 points7 points ago

That's... beautiful.

[–]xblackdog 1 point2 points ago

Not sure if beautiful is quite the right word. Not really sure what word would fit, but something like a mix of awe, beautiful, humane (maybe humanity?), and powerful.

[–]Tofon 13 points14 points ago

It's beautiful in a very sad and very powerful way.

[–]Quid_Rides 1 point2 points ago

I hope this gentleman was given the same respect he has offered. Powerful picture. Thanks for posting.

[–]necronomisean 0 points1 point ago

Did you find this on GovX's Facebook page?

[–]exgiexpcv -3 points-2 points ago

Oh, that hurts.

[–]exgiexpcv 3 points4 points ago

WTF is wrong with you people? The man won the respect of the village elder, and you downvote me for saying it hurts to see? EABOD.