As I reflect on this photograph, I see once again that not all the brave leave the "home of the brave" to enter battle; some are required now to be the brave of the home. It is said a picture is worth a thousand words but it leaves me speechless and tears in my eyes.

Having been the wife of a marine I can see how this young man wants to honor his father with visible bravery as he accepts the American flag.  God bless this little guy and his family. Job well done in the face of adversity.

We have a long list of good friends whose husbands are deploying to Iraq next month.

One of the wives sent me this. We feel compelled to send it on. Your prayers are deeply

appreciated. These guys deserve our love, our hugs and most powerfully, our prayers.

Prayer Request:

I understand that life in Iraq and Afghanistan is very difficult to bear right now.

Our troops need our prayers for strength, endurance and safety.

"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us.

Bless them and their families for the selfless

acts they perform for us in our time of need...

Amen."

Note from webmaster: A "thank you" to my cousin Sherm Powell for sending this to me. If the author of the original email would like credit, or the creator of the photos/artwork, please contact me at: leilani@learncomputersnow.net. I would be more than happy to give you credit for your work.  I did insert some comments of my own, but that can be worked out.