Loss

(above, the Thibeault family grieves at a memorial to fallen soldiers. Jordan Thibeault died last week while serving in Iraq)

Loss, sorrow and grief have been common theme as of late.

On Thursday I was assigned to cover a memorial service of the seventh anniversary of the September 11th attacks.  I was not expecting the image that took place in front of me. 

I got to the assignment early and began working with my reporter and shooting images of people making their way through a field of flags that had been set up to mark the lives of those lost in the attacks. I also shot photos of elected officials talking about the attacks and the war on terrorism.  

I had been told this assignment was being considered for our front page centerpiece. For most of the shoot I was feeling it was OK but there wasn't anything that had really stood out.

It was also becoming evident this event was also a memorial to those that have lost their lives serving in the military. 

To concluded the ceremony, a wreath was to be placed by Navy Reservist and US Army soldiers were going to conduct a ceremony in the memory of fallen soldiers. 

The sun had begun to set and the light was really becoming dramatic when this began.

I had positioned myself to the right of where the ceremonies were to take place.

At this time Gold Star Mothers were being honored for theirs and their children's sacrifice. I began shooting groups of families placing dog-tags on a rifle that had a helmet resting on top of it and was placed next to pair a boots, all of which was symbolic of a fallen soldier.

It was a very sincere ceremony and I stayed with a telephoto lens as not to intrude on the grief taking place in front of me. 

The last family to make their way to the memorial was the Thibeault family who had lost their son Jordan Thibeault last week while he was serving in Iraq. 

As they approached I watched through the lens as waves of grief and emotion came over them.  The setting sun was striking their faces as they wept and I began to tremble. I told myself to stay in the camera and keep watching the scene. 

As hard as it is to witness such events, it is my job to focus and record these moments in history. As painful as they are, they are needed to tell the story of our lives. 

I made images zoomed-in tight on their faces but realizing I had enough images of grief zoomed tightly I began to back out of the situation and show more of the surroundings.

I moved just once to a position behind a set of flags that at times were being blown by the wind. The wind calmed for a moment and just then a soldier knelt down in front of the memorial and there in front of me was the story of loss. During this time, an Army officer began a roll call with the names of soldiers and when he came to Jordan Thibeault there was no reply. His name was repeatedly called out with a bit more anguish in the voice each time. And every time there was no response. 

I could hear the sobs taking place around me and I could the see sadness and grieving sorrow on the faces of the Thibeaults. The light was only illuminating them as if this moment in time was only for their grief.

I kept the camera glued to my face as to not show that I also had began to weep. This moment in time was theirs and theirs only.

I have been scared at times about having to endure loss. I just hope none of those in my life have to endure what the Thibeaults are going through.

 I thank the Thibeaults for allowing me to tell this story and I am so sorry for your loss.

Jordan Thibeault was just 22 when he died. He was only 15 when the September 11th attacks took place.