May 13, 2008
A unique EADS North America-sponsored photographic tribute to U.S. Soldiers and Marines was welcomed to the nation’s capital tonight with an opening ceremony attended by top congressional, military, government, political and industry leaders.
Addressing the event’s 400-plus invited guests, EADS North America Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ralph D. Crosby, Jr., announced that a fundraising effort in conjunction with the exhibition has raised nearly $300,000 for the two primary support organizations of Soldiers, Marines and their families – the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and Army Emergency Relief.
The exhibit’s collection of 116 images, entitled “The American Soldier – A Photographic Tribute to Soldiers and Marines,” depicts Americans in combat from the earliest use of photographic apparatus to today’s digital cameras. It covers the Civil War, Spanish-American War, Boxer Rebellion, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Afghanistan and Iraq.
As part of a nationwide tour, the exhibit is now at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial - located at the gateway to Arlington National Cemetery - where it will be open to the public through Labor Day, 2008.
“This very moving, and spectacular tribute honors the courage, sacrifice and heroism of the young men and women who serve our country,” Crosby said. “It is in this spirit that EADS North America launched the fundraising drive – and every dollar donated will go to the two agencies that offer relief and comfort for our warfighters.”
Army Secretary Pete Geren congratulated EADS North America for the fundraising effort, adding that Army Emergency Relief and the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society have been providing valuable aid for many years. “As a nation long at war, the stress on Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen – as well as their families – is extraordinary,” he stated. “These two organizations mean much to the lives of our servicemen and women and the families – in big ways and small. Thank you EADS for your great support.”
The photographic tribute’s visual and emotional impact was underscored by Gen. George Casey, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army. “I often say that once you’ve been around awhile, you can look into a soldier’s eyes and see what’s in their heart. Through the camera lens, this exhibit has looked into soldiers eyes to see what’s in their hearts...and it makes you very proud,” he said.
Gen. James Conway, Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, added the importance of showing both Soldiers and Marines in a single exhibition. “There has been camaraderie throughout our services’ long illustrious histories,” Conway added. “Our great Soldiers and Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan today feel this sense of camaraderie deeply, which is what makes them so effective in defending our country.”
