Have you ever felt like you have entered an old photograph? Walked through the doors into the past? As I stepped through the white hallway that led to a large airplane hanger I realized this could be the 1940’s. Except for the Harry Potter tie and a few converse sneakers that brought a familiar sight amidst the of sea of army fatigues. In small folding chairs over 200 United States Army Soldiers sat for the last few minutes before they said good-bye to their family and friends before boarding a plane headed for Iraq. Women sobbed while children cried out daddy daddy! Don't go! Daddy! Lovers held onto each other and said prayers over bibles imprinted in army fatigues. But I have to say, there were just as many smiles and cheers as there were tears.
It’s an interesting line I get to walk as a photographer. I watched and photographed the families feeling the pain of loss and the unknown of the future. But I also got to photograph the soldiers as they walked away. I got to walk over the line that the families couldn't cross. As soon as I got over the line, the air cleared; there was excitement, tension, camaraderie, and friendship, as they made their way onto the plane. I wanted to go on the plane with them. Join them on their unknown journey to Iraq.
It could have been the 1960's as the families waved flags as the plane flew away.
So my question is this, whose shoes would you rather be in, the shoes of the soldiers or their wife or husband. Did Odysseus have it harder, or did Penelope?
