"The happiest moments of my life have been the few which I have passed at home in the bosom of my family." ~Thomas Jefferson ~
This photo, taken by U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Mark Fayola, provided by the U.S. Department of Defense is titled “Back to Base.”
The picture captures a frozen moment in time that was snapped on May 30, 2010 as United States Marines, assigned to Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, depart a checkpoint and patrol, returning back to Forward Operating Base Geronimo in Afghanistan.
One can only wonder if thoughts of home were on the minds of those men as they strode into the setting sun that early evening.
How many wish for home but will never return, or never return the same?
CNN’s “Home and Away” online site reports that as of Saturday, June 12, 2010 coalition casualties in Afghanistan are 1,812 deaths and 6,232 wounded. The figures for Iraq are even more disturbing – 4,725 deaths and 31,844 wounded.
Each one of those casualties represent families and loved ones who waited for their return home, but now only bear the scars of loss.
This morning I received and email, which included the videos that are embedded below; they were forwarded on from a dear friend. The subject line simply read “FW: The happiest e-mail I've received this year.” The note attached simply said, “Definitely a good one to pass around.”
A second note, from the original sender added, “Get ready for a good cry...love this.”
I have to agree with both assessments.
The videos, from the TheBobjohnson1984 YouTube channel are lovingly prepared compilations honoring soldiers who have made it home and into arms of their loved ones.
Before you watch, be sure to get your out your box of Kleenex , and then pass this on.
Soldiers Surprising Their Loved Ones: PART ONE
Soldiers Surprising Their Loved Ones: PART TWO
