Here are two pictures that were awarded first and second place at the picture of the year international this year. Very very touching photos.
First Place Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News When 2nd Lt. James Cathey's body arrived at the Reno Airport, Marines climbed into the cargo hold of the plane and draped the flag over his casket as passengers watched the family gather on the tarmac. During the arrival of another Marine's casket last year at Denver International Airport, Major Steve Beck described the scene as one of the most powerful in the process: "See the people in the windows? They'll sit right there in the plane, watching those Marines. You gotta wonder what's going through their minds, knowing that they're on the plane that brought him home," he said. "They're going to remember being on that plane for the rest of their lives. They're going to remember bringing that Marine home. And they should."
Second Place
Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News The night before the burial of her husband's body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time. The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of 'Cat,' and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. "I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it," she said. "I think that's what he would have wanted."
You should read some of the emails and writings from our friend Randy. He's in Iraq now and still emails us to say thank you, it killed me. Bring kleenex.
That is very sad. We all hate to see pictures of that. But unfort. it does happen. All we can do is to pray for the safety of others and thank the ones who had already serve in the past.
Yes- It is hard to see pictures like this. But they are real, they touch a nerve deep inside. (Make you want to curl up and cry like a baby) and my heart goes out to everyone of them. Those Soldier's made the Ultimate sacrifice for OUR freedom. And sadly their families had to make that sacrifice also.
They will always be in our hearts and our prayers.
They will always be in our hearts and our prayers. 
