A year ago today, I asked to be taken off of a patrol with my assigned platoon in Iraq and transferred to a different patrol, and because of that decision I am still alive today. A massive suicide bomb blast tore through the meeting hall where I was originally assigned, killing or severely injuring nearly everyone within one city block. The blast took the lives of dozens of Iraqis and was the second-deadliest suicide bomb attack during the entire Iraq war in terms of the number of U.S. casualties. That day changed the course of many lives, including my own.
I am often asked in interviews if I would make the same decision again. The answer is, without hesitation or second thought, yes. Although the decision to post those images had a huge effect on my life, and the life of my family, I stand by my decision 100 percent. I do not take what I do lightly and presenting anything other than what I did would be at the very least unethical.
First off, I would like to offer my condolences, once again, to the families and friends of all of those, both Iraqi and American, who lost someone that day.
Second, I would like to thank all of you who stood by me through this and supported my decision to present the images I took that day in an uncensored and honest way. War is graphic and horrible and I refuse to let my images lie or sanitize what happens in its wake. I would like to thank the many Marines and members of the armed forces who have stood by and supported my decisions despite the controversy. I would especially like to thank the family members of the Marines who were killed that day who have written to me in the last year. The fact that you are able to understand, and even support my decision to show these images to the world is incredible to me, your strength and understanding is so admirable! It is my greatest desire that my documentation of the lives lost that day, along with the realities of war all around the world, could some day save others from what you have had go through. I suppose this is a lofty dream to have, but I will continue to pursue it as if it was perfectly attainable.
Without a doubt, you did the right thing. War is no soap opera, and censorship during war portrays a reality which is only tasteful for those untouched by the true horrors of war.
Posted by: Kerrie | June 27, 2009 at 12:49
I remember this story, and your truly fateful escape from death. There is no doubt you did the right thing with your photos, which speak for the mute, the voiceless and the dead. The Abu Ghraib atrocity was spoken most loudly through its damning testimonial photos.
Keep up your wonderful work. We admire you!
Posted by: Lisa | June 30, 2009 at 00:51
Thank you. You did, and are doing, the right thing. Reading your story has brightened my day and helped reaffirm my faith in humanity.
Best wishes in all you do in the future.
Don Smith
Battle Ground, WA
Posted by: Donald Smith | July 02, 2009 at 00:09