Afghanistan New Years

Mike Yon sends this New Years message...

Arghandab, Afghanistan
New Year's Eve, 2009

On this small base surrounded by a mixture of enemy and friendly territory, a memorial has been erected just next to the Chapel. Inside the tepee are 21 photos of 21 soldiers killed during the first months of a year-long tour of duty. The fallen will belong forever to the honor rolls of the 1-17th Infantry Battalion, 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, and they will join the sacred list of names of those who have given their lives in service of the United States of America.
The symbol of the 2nd Infantry Division is the Indian Head. At night, soldiers of the “Indian Head Division” can be seen passing by the tepee, sometimes stopping to peer inside before walking into the darkness.

Thank You, RIP :(

A very sobering tribute, yet also an important reminder.

I love this tribute form. To me its beauty is in its simplicity,form and function. That gorgeous night sky as a back drop is the perfect compliment to it.

I wish I could walk it in it! Just me and the tipi,the sky and the people to whom it all is for.

Nice Bruce. thanks

Beautiful.