[M.P. Cobra Fan]

Back in June the Army sent me to Fort Stewart to learn about our new vehicles. While I was there I went to Warrior Walk. I had seen it on the Military Channel and always wanted to see it in person. It is a walking path that is lined with trees. Each tree is a soldier that was attached to the 3rd Infantry Division that was killed in OIF and OEF. Family, friends, and fellow soldiers leave things at the base of the trees that remind them of their lost hero.

Some of these photos hit very close to home for me. Taking some of these pictures was very hard to do as well.

Anyway, here.

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[M.P. Cobra Fan]

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These next three shots come from one tree. I had to sit down for a few minutes and dry my eyes before I could shoot this.

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And what all this made me remember.
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[Lefty]

Very nice pictures James

[BCP]

Wow! What a great memorial, and your images really capture the feeling; nicely done.

[M.P. Cobra Fan]

Thanks guys! That was a hard day for me. I wanted to try to do that place justice.

[BCP]

Originally Posted by M.P. Cobra Fan Thanks guys! That was a hard day for me. I wanted to try to do that place justice.

I can imagine how hard it must have been, it's hard to look through the pics.

[M.P. Cobra Fan]

Originally Posted by BCP I can imagine how hard it must have been, it's hard to look through the pics.

It was hard. I wish every soldier before they deploy could walk this to see the reality of it. And then walk it again when they come home to let it sink in that they got home and their brothers and sisters did not.

I almost felt guilty as I walked it. Seeing the PV2's who were fresh out of basic and 18 years old. It still messes with my head.

[Spurred Snake]

MP, I really don't want to take away from the art you have made... It is really amazing! I can't even begin to think of how big that place is... I hope it doesn't continue to grow... I hope you don't mind me posting this to keep the feel of this thread you have made going. I hope I never have to put a person I know there!

I thank and love all who have served before me! I will thank and love all of those who served after me. I'm glad to be in this family we call the Armed Forces!

Thank you MP and the rest of you on here!

YouTube - Soldier homecoming surprise mix

YouTube - Soldier homecoming surprise mix

[BCP]

Originally Posted by M.P. Cobra Fan It was hard. I wish every soldier before they deploy could walk this to see the reality of it. And then walk it again when they come home to let it sink in that they got home and their brothers and sisters did not. I almost felt guilty as I walked it. Seeing the PV2's who were fresh out of basic and 18 years old. It still messes with my head.

I think that would be a pretty good reality check.

[Till]

RIP to all those, and


RIP to my father as well who gave his life for the same reason.


SO we could all be free....

[M.P. Cobra Fan]

Don't mind at all man. That shit had me in tears.

[Spurred Snake]

Originally Posted by M.P. Cobra Fan It was hard. I wish every soldier before they deploy could walk this to see the reality of it. And then walk it again when they come home to let it sink in that they got home and their brothers and sisters did not. I almost felt guilty as I walked it. Seeing the PV2's who were fresh out of basic and 18 years old. It still messes with my head.

Damn bro, thats some pretty deep stuff!

[M.P. Cobra Fan]

Originally Posted by Tiller RIP to all those, and RIP to my father as well who gave his life for the same reason. SO we could all be free....

Was your father killed in war? If so, I am sorry to hear that brother.

[M.P. Cobra Fan]

Originally Posted by BCP I think that would be a pretty good reality check.

I agree.

I still look at these pics and wonder "why did I make it home, and they did not?"

[Till]

Originally Posted by M.P. Cobra Fan Was your father killed in war? If so, I am sorry to hear that brother.

Combat related injury.

Its ok I have accepted it, he did what he loved to do.


Also it puts me through college.

I know he would want me to do all I can so I am.

Everytime I see a military person I thank them for his/her service.


I remember talking to some guys right after my dad died, who came to our place a few weeks after he died to pay their respects they missed the funeral but knew my dad.

I had no idea who these guys where, they were in the military with my dad.

I cried in front of them and they comforted me and didnt even know me....


They told me he would have wanted me to do all I can do. So thats what I do.

[BCP]

Originally Posted by M.P. Cobra Fan I agree. I still look at these pics and wonder "why did I make it home, and they did not?"

No doubt, and I know many veterans that wonder the same exact thing all the time and probably will for the rest of their life.

[Spurred Snake]

Originally Posted by M.P. Cobra Fan I agree. I still look at these pics and wonder "why did I make it home, and they did not?"

Man don't look at it that way... It was their time... Your time will come, as well as mine... Whether in the military, age, or health... All of our times will come! I love you man!

[RDY4WAR]

Amazing pics M.P.

It really makes you stop and think, especially those last three pics. This is inspiration for sure. Thank you for posting this.

In November of 2008, I was driving home to Mississippi from Maryland for thanksgiving. I came up on an overpass somewhere in Tennessee and I saw a huge American flag hanging from the side of the bridge. On the bridge were 4 veterans standing dead still at present arms. Many people had pulled off the side of the road to take pictures and give respect, as did myself. Almost every truck would honk their horn and every sports car and bike would rev it up when they drove under them. It made me really think about what I was fighting for. It made me stop and think what that flag really stands for.

[RDY4WAR]

I just showed these pictures to my wife and she started to tear up, so naturally I'm tearing up now.

This has really moved me MP and I can guarantee that those pictures don't do it justice.

[Mustangshar]

I wish every American could read this thread. I am crying my eyes out. You have captured something so important that we can FEEL the emotion, the living tribute to these fallen soldiers and their loved ones. Thank you and they are always in my prayers