A recent AP photo surfaced showing one of our Heroes after being mortally wounded by a rocket propelled grenade. Lance Corporal Joshua Bernard was wounded on August 14th and would later die of his wounds at a field hospital in Camp Leatherneck. The picture shows this brave Hero being tended to by fellow Marines while off in the distance (and as noted by the Associated Press far enough away as to "not interfere with Marines trying to assist Bernard"), AP photographer Julie Jacobson snapped the picture. Citing "journalistic duty to show the reality of war", AP Director of Photography, Santiago Lyon defended the picture stating it was released with the story after LCpl Bernard was buried. [The picture will not be available here.]

This author disagrees with the reason and the photo. We believe this to be a disgraceful attempt to draw readers to a story that would have better been served by reflecting on the heroism of those who serve and sacrifice daily for our great country!

This is the picture that should be remembered for those honoring LCpl Joshua Bernard. A Hero, proud of the uniform and country he served.

You are not forgotten LCpl Bernard! Thank you for your service!