A Picture worth a thousand Tears - The Firearms Forum

catfish83861 · 05-11-2007, 08:32 PM

One picture is worth a thousand words and a million tears.
They say one picture is worth a thousand words. How many words is this one worth?

This amazing picture has drawn a lot of comments from readers of the Nashville paper, The Tennessean.

See Jay's letter below.

Dear Tennessean:

The Tennessean's April 5 photograph of young Christian Golczynski accepting the American flag from Marine Lt. Col. Ric Thompson is one of the most moving and emotion provoking images I have ever seen.

My wife and I attended funeral services for Christian's father, Staff Sergeant Marcus Golczynski, on April 4, along with our six year-old son, dozens of Marines, and several hundred others who came to pay tribute to this fallen hero.

As one would expect, many of your readers were touched by this incredible picture. Staff Sergeant Golczynski had previously served one full tour in Iraq. Shortly before his death on March 27 he wrote to his family that he had volunteered to do this a second time due to our deep desire to finish the job we started. In his letter he said, "We fight and sometimes die so that our families don't have to." Tragically, Staff Sergeant Golczynski had only two weeks remaining on his second tour. We look at the photograph of Christian every day. It is displayed prominently in our home. Our hearts ache for Christian and for all those who have lost loved ones in this controversial conflict.

Our nation is at a historical crossroads. Do we call an end to the struggle in Iraq or press on? Staff Sergeant Golczynski eloquently told his son how he felt about not giving up. Perhaps there is a lesson for all of us in this man's life and the choices he made. He was undeniably a man of tremendous courage and conviction. America must now choose whether to complete the job.

When looking at the face of Christian Golczynski I am reminded that doing what is right is not always easy and doing what is easy is not always right. Christian's dad knew that too.

James Drescher

Franklin, TN

Rommelvon · 05-11-2007, 08:37 PM

Wow, touching photograph........thanks for posting

Pat Hurley · 05-11-2007, 08:55 PM

If that doesn't break your heart, you don't have one. Thanks for posting it Cat.

berto64 · 05-11-2007, 09:38 PM

Dang that's hearbreaker. sniffle, cry, bawl, sniffle.

This gettin old sux, Seems I cry a lot easier than a tough guy should.

Marlin T · 05-11-2007, 09:38 PM

Quote:

I am reminded that doing what is right is not always easy and doing what is easy is not always right. Christian's dad knew that too.

AMEN
May God bless them all.

charagrin · 05-11-2007, 09:46 PM

Moving...

On a side note,Why is the flag being given to him. I thought it went to either a spouse, or parent, or other closest kin?

When my great uncle died in Nam they gave the flag to my great-grandmother. Not his son or daughter. he didnt have a wife. Im just curious, Im not trying to be rude.-Char

Lead Lobber · 05-11-2007, 11:22 PM

I see something like that, and I want to crack smart, but can't. About all the soldiers that put their buts on the line every day, while I sit around and crack smart. That boy lost his dad, and many more kids will cry before this is over. I don't have any answers, so I am going to be quiet, thanking those that have given their lives, silently.

Let those of us at home be not silent! Please go out of your way to thank our veterans in every way possible, and bust your respective representatives - get them on line!

Thanks,

Lead Lobber

rosierita · 05-12-2007, 07:18 AM

SouthernMoss · 05-12-2007, 08:16 AM

As I sit with tears streaming down my face, all I can say is that this is exactly why we must allow our fighting men and women to finish their job. Otherwise, Christian will be reminded every day that his father died in vain.

Marlin · 05-12-2007, 11:55 AM

Ditto, SoMo !!!!!

358 winchester · 05-12-2007, 03:58 PM

SOMO You said a mouthful lady!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I still wake up and wonder why at times then someone will post a picture or a story and I know why!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It doesn't make it any easier for the vets or their families
But it sure as hell helps when you say thanks to them.
Ron

Bruce FLinch · 05-12-2007, 05:28 PM

I could not bear to see the photo, but a few seconds.. Bless that Family & all our Troops.

noslolo · 05-16-2007, 12:44 AM

Wow what a sad picture. SOMO you couldn't be any more right with your statement.

AL MOUNT · 05-16-2007, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charagrin

Moving...

On a side note,Why is the flag being given to him. I thought it went to either a spouse, or parent, or other closest kin?

I'm guessing his mom was distraught and had her head buried in someone's shoulder when it was time to present the flag and the son just filled in for her.

God Bless that Marine.......I would sure hate to have his job.....

05-11-2007, 08:32 PM	#1
catfish83861 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: North Idaho Posts: 2,018	A Picture worth a thousand Tears One picture is worth a thousand words and a million tears. They say one picture is worth a thousand words. How many words is this one worth? This amazing picture has drawn a lot of comments from readers of the Nashville paper, The Tennessean. See Jay's letter below. Dear Tennessean: The Tennessean's April 5 photograph of young Christian Golczynski accepting the American flag from Marine Lt. Col. Ric Thompson is one of the most moving and emotion provoking images I have ever seen. My wife and I attended funeral services for Christian's father, Staff Sergeant Marcus Golczynski, on April 4, along with our six year-old son, dozens of Marines, and several hundred others who came to pay tribute to this fallen hero. As one would expect, many of your readers were touched by this incredible picture. Staff Sergeant Golczynski had previously served one full tour in Iraq. Shortly before his death on March 27 he wrote to his family that he had volunteered to do this a second time due to our deep desire to finish the job we started. In his letter he said, "We fight and sometimes die so that our families don't have to." Tragically, Staff Sergeant Golczynski had only two weeks remaining on his second tour. We look at the photograph of Christian every day. It is displayed prominently in our home. Our hearts ache for Christian and for all those who have lost loved ones in this controversial conflict. Our nation is at a historical crossroads. Do we call an end to the struggle in Iraq or press on? Staff Sergeant Golczynski eloquently told his son how he felt about not giving up. Perhaps there is a lesson for all of us in this man's life and the choices he made. He was undeniably a man of tremendous courage and conviction. America must now choose whether to complete the job. When looking at the face of Christian Golczynski I am reminded that doing what is right is not always easy and doing what is easy is not always right. Christian's dad knew that too. James Drescher Franklin, TN Attached Images -->

05-11-2007, 08:37 PM	#2
Rommelvon Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Goldsboro, NC Posts: 1,452	Re: A Picture worth a thousand Tears Wow, touching photograph........thanks for posting __________________ When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty. --Thomas Jefferson American By Birth, Southern By The Grace Of God Deo vindice "Duty is the most sublime word in our language. Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more. You should never wish to do less.” Robert E Lee

05-11-2007, 08:55 PM	#3
Pat Hurley Former Guest Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Naples, Florida Posts: 987	Re: A Picture worth a thousand Tears If that doesn't break your heart, you don't have one. Thanks for posting it Cat.

05-11-2007, 09:38 PM	#4
berto64 VMBB Admin Staff Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Owyhee County, Idaho Contributor Posts: 7,385	Re: A Picture worth a thousand Tears Dang that's hearbreaker. sniffle, cry, bawl, sniffle. This gettin old sux, Seems I cry a lot easier than a tough guy should. __________________ Be who you are & say what you will, Those that matter won't mind and those that mind don't matter. I'm a bitter clinger, One Nation Under God.

05-11-2007, 09:46 PM	#6
charagrin Former Guest Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 451	Re: A Picture worth a thousand Tears Moving... On a side note,Why is the flag being given to him. I thought it went to either a spouse, or parent, or other closest kin? When my great uncle died in Nam they gave the flag to my great-grandmother. Not his son or daughter. he didnt have a wife. Im just curious, Im not trying to be rude.-Char

05-11-2007, 11:22 PM	#7
Lead Lobber Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Central California coastal area Posts: 965	Re: A Picture worth a thousand Tears I see something like that, and I want to crack smart, but can't. About all the soldiers that put their buts on the line every day, while I sit around and crack smart. That boy lost his dad, and many more kids will cry before this is over. I don't have any answers, so I am going to be quiet, thanking those that have given their lives, silently. Let those of us at home be not silent! Please go out of your way to thank our veterans in every way possible, and bust your respective representatives - get them on line! Thanks, Lead Lobber

05-12-2007, 07:18 AM	#8
rosierita Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: South Carolina Posts: 5,218	Re: A Picture worth a thousand Tears __________________

05-12-2007, 08:16 AM	#9
SouthernMoss Admin Tech Staff Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: SW MS Contributor Posts: 10,651	Re: A Picture worth a thousand Tears As I sit with tears streaming down my face, all I can say is that this is exactly why we must allow our fighting men and women to finish their job. Otherwise, Christian will be reminded every day that his father died in vain. __________________ My Second protects your First "I declare to you that woman must not depend upon the protection of man, but must be taught to protect herself, and there I take my stand." - Susan B Anthony

05-12-2007, 11:55 AM	#10
Marlin TFF Admin Staff Chief Counselor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At SouthernMoss' side forever! Contributor Posts: 13,853	Re: A Picture worth a thousand Tears Ditto, SoMo !!!!! __________________ *The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.* *The only criminal class native to the United States is Congress.*

05-12-2007, 03:58 PM	#11
358 winchester TFF Admin Staff Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Pensacola Fl. area Posts: 7,335	Re: A Picture worth a thousand Tears SOMO You said a mouthful lady!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I still wake up and wonder why at times then someone will post a picture or a story and I know why!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It doesn't make it any easier for the vets or their families But it sure as hell helps when you say thanks to them. Ron __________________ Administrator & Owner RangeDay.com Proud, White, Heterosexual, Gun Owning, Southern American, Christian. Any question about where I stand?

05-12-2007, 05:28 PM	#12
Bruce FLinch Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bay Point, Kali..aka Gun Point Posts: 5,016	Re: A Picture worth a thousand Tears I could not bear to see the photo, but a few seconds.. Bless that Family & all our Troops. __________________ A bad day @ the Range, is better than a good day @ work.

05-16-2007, 12:44 AM	#13
noslolo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Johnstown PA Posts: 1,558	Re: A Picture worth a thousand Tears Wow what a sad picture. SOMO you couldn't be any more right with your statement.