Posted on 04/18/2006 10:13:44 AM PDT by CedarDave
The Rocky Mountain News was honored Monday with Pulitzer Prizes in writing and photography for its unflinching look at the way U.S. Marines honor comrades who have paid the ultimate price.
In a newsroom celebration marked by emotion and tears, reporter Jim Sheeler was recognized for winning in feature writing and photographer Todd Heisler in feature photography for their collaboration, "Final Salute." The special report followed a Marine major who has the difficult task of making death notifications and of helping families begin to face life after loss.
And while there was tremendous satisfaction in the awards, there was also a keen sense of respect for the Marines who never came home - and their families.
"We're going to have some glasses of champagne to toast Todd and Jim and also to honor the courage of the families that we wrote about and photographed," said Rocky Mountain News Editor, President and Publisher John Temple, a catch in his voice. "This is an incredible moment for these two journalists and this newspaper."
"Final Salute," published on Veterans Day, chronicled a year in the life of Marine Maj. Steve Beck, the casualty assistance calls officer for Colorado and parts of four other states, and several families who lost loved ones in Iraq. Beck was in the newsroom for the announcement, and later in the afternoon he was joined by the loved ones of two Marines who lost their lives in Iraq. Sheeler and Heisler paid respect to those families.
(Excerpt) Read more at rockymountainnews.com ...
See this?
Congratulations to them for their coverage.
I remember a while ago, someone posted an article of the funeral of an American Indian (Sioux?)from the Marines. That was one of the most moving articles I have ever seen. If anyone still has a link...
Here is the entire story behind the picture you sent me this morning. I was browsing on another site when a poster who knows the photographer posted the story. Followed it and have viewed all the photos. I'll take time to read the story later, away from work, when I can absorb the emotions it will generate. Pass this thread on to those you originally pinged.
Katherine Cathey remembered the first night she met Sheeler and Heisler - and that she appreciated them coming to her home "and listening to what I had to say about my husband."
"They made a lot of sacrifices, too, so that everybody would have a very clear picture of what the families had to go through," she said through tears as Jimmy fidgeted in her lap. "These two awards couldn't have been given to anybody other than these two guys."
Patty, this makes me more determined than ever that I continue following through with our support.
See this?
Thanks for posting this Dave.
Here's a direct link to the story page:
http://denver.rockymountainnews.com/news/finalSalute/
No, I'm tuff. No, those are not tears on my face! They're, they're, they're.......
God bless these great soldiers and marines and their families!
Ping to another Marine story about heros.
Deeply moving.
God bless and keep them all.
Archer24
I remember how knotted I was, forcing myself to go home at the end of the day, afraid to see government license plates in my driveway. My son was a squad leader, first battle of Fallujah.
But to think of having to deliver the news, no, I ain't the beginning of that tough.
God Bless 'em. Semper fi, carry on.........
I can certainly related to being "knotted". Our Marine just returned from his first tour in Iraq and every single time I turned into our street when returning home, I'd strain to see if a government sedan was parked in the driveway. I'm glad that nobody knocked on our door late at night. I would have fainted on the spot.
I started reading the article at lunch but decided the kids in my group wouldn't understand why the old guy was crying. It's very intense but especially so when you have a child in harm's way. If you don't, it's a theoretical worry. You can imagine all you like, but you can't know.
Namsman sends.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.