As a photographer, it’s humbling to see through a lens what other people experience every day. And with that comes a huge responsibility to get it right… so when a friend texted and asked me to photograph her husband’s homecoming from Iraq, I welled up with tears. That’s a big responsibility. She hasn’t seen him in at least six months, and I was incredibly honored that she asked me, of all people, to document this moment for them.
I’m not sure who was more nervous on the ride over to the ceremony — B, with anxious anticipation to see her best friend, or me, who had no idea the outpouring of emotion I was about to witness. People who hadn’t seen their loved ones in months were finally getting to say hello again. New babies, children who hadn’t seen their moms or dads in months, were going to be reunited. The anxious energy in the room was palpable, as spouses white-knuckled their signs and patiently waited while the kiddos played around them.


Two video screens hung from the ceiling with a live feed as the soldiers loaded the buses to come to the building for the ceremony, and small cheers bubbled from the crowd with there s/he is’s and I can’t wait‘s. Soon, the doors opened and the soldiers came running in for their final lineup of this deployment.
When the first soldiers entered the room, the whole house erupted with cheers. Like you’re standing in the front row of a concert. Within moments, the energy in the room shifted from nervous to cheerful and excited… it was deafening at some points, especially when people in the crowd started to recognize the faces of those that they were welcoming home.

A few words from their superior and everyone started running. Hugs. Cheers. Tears. Kisses and hello‘s. I have never fought back tears so hard as I tried to maintain the focus of my lens. After a few tense moments on her tiptoes, she finally saw him.




I don’t think that smile will leave her face for days.

It’s especially poignant since Veteran’s Day is tomorrow…. it made me really grateful and was so humbling to see firsthand the sacrifices these families have given for our freedom. I’m so honored to have been here for B&T. So honored. Thank you, T, for your service; and B, to you, I am in your debt with gratitude for documenting this for you. Cheers to both of you — enjoy this time together.
by Cathy
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