The Final Salute: A Touching Story

They are the troops that nobody wants to see, carrying a message that no military family ever wants to hear.

It begins with a knock at the door.

Final Salute is a double Pulitzer Prize winning article (writing and photography) from The Rocky Mountain News profiling the work of Major Steve Beck – a US Marine responsible for notifying family members of a Marine’s death. As the Pulitzer Award cited, the article is a “haunting, behind-the-scenes look”.

It’s long; but it’s worthy of every moment of your time no matter what your stance on the numerous armed conflicts currently under way. It’s a difficult read that will put a lump in your throat.

(Alternative link)

Tags: