In this photo, Marine Lt. Col. Ric Thompson hands 8-year old Christian Golczynski–son of Marine Staff Sargent Marc Golczynski–the folded American flag that covered his father’s casket.   Marc was killed in al-Aanbar province in Iraq on March 27, 2007 while on patrol.

According to ABC News, just days before he left for his second tour of duty in Iraq, Marc outlined his commitment to his mission, his country, and his family in a letter.  Marc wrote…

“Due to our deep desire to finish the job we started, we fight and sometimes die so that our families don’t have to.  Stand beside us, because we would do it for you–because it is our unity that’s enabled us to prosper as a nation.”

This photo is one of the best photos I have ever seen about sacrifice, suffering, and courage. Christian is holding back tears and he is only eight years old, but he looks like he is made of steel (no doubt like his fallen father).