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Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Dustin Cody Jackson {1986 - 2008}


The family of fallen soldier Dustin Jackson has graciously given me permission to share this slide show of Dustin's memorial service on March 22nd. We often don't know or even think about those who have sacrificed - sometimes with their lives - to protect the freedom and liberties we, myself included, sometimes take for granted. As you witness this, please keep in mind and prayer all those who have served or are choosing to serve and protect this country in the face of an enormous personal risk. I can't think of anything more honorable and courageous.

Thank you again, Dustin, for your honor and commitment. May God rest your soul and abundantly bless and strengthen your loved ones.

If the slideshow seems to be running a little sluggish, it may be because of heavy server traffic related to the slideshow, and normally in that case if you come back to it after a few minutes it should run fine.

28 comments:

Anonymous said...

matt...sometimes words never even justify the true feeling and emotion that an artwork portrays so I leave you with silence....silence of awe, silence of wonderment, and silence of amazement.

the jackson family...praying for the strong feeling of God's loving embrace around you during this unimaginable time.

Kye said...

Matt...the Jackson family is truly blessed with the gift you have given them.

Your images speak more than words.

Anonymous said...

I'm speechless Matt.

Amazing Job!

Cecile said...

left in awe!

thank you

twarpula said...

Wow Matt that was AMAZING!! You did a fantastic job. Thanks for sharing this & helping us to keep all the soliders who are fighting for us on our minds.

Anonymous said...

what a beautiful tribute.
thank you.

Kara May said...

I'm completely speechless, in tears and shaking right now. I feel like I knew that family, even though I've only seen the images of them through your slideshow. Coming from a military family (my father) this is sooooo meaningful and touching. God bless you and this family for their loss.

Bobby Earle said...

That was beautiful. God bless those who serve our country so selflessly. My heart along with my prayers are truly with this family today.

Bobby

Hillary said...

These images are absolutley incredable!! For never photographing a service before, you did an unbelievable job!!! My prayers are with Dustin and his family. and all the other soldiers still in Irag. May they all come home safely soon!!

Kelley said...

Sometimes we are reminded in a deep soulful way why God gives us the gifts that we have. You have blessed many with your gift.
Bless....

Amy said...

What a beautiful, tasteful, respectful, and honorable gift you have given that family. God bless that family and help them find peace in their son's decision to fight for our country and sacrifice his own life. he is a true hero. Peace be with them all....

Unknown said...

That was one of the most beautiful things you could have given to this family. I am moved beyond tears...your work truly is a gift from God, Matt. Just amazing...

-Brooke

Michelle said...

I feel truly blessed today to have come upon your blog. Your photographs speak volumes about what our soldiers and their families face day after day.
Thank you for reminding me and so many others of what our country so often takes for granted.
The ultimate gift to our country.
The ultimate sacrifice.

To the Jackson family
I did not know your son, but I appreciate and respect him for the sacrifice he made. My prayers are with you and your family. God Bless You.

Anonymous said...

That was beautiful and touching. Thank you for sharing it with us. It touched me deeply as Dustin was the same age as my little brother who has just entered the Navy. Bless Dustin and his family for sacrificing to keep us safe.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing. May God put his loving arms around those whom were a part of Dustin's life. I'm so very grateful to those who have and are continuing to sacrifice so much for the freedom I hold dear.
Bless you Matt for using the gift God has given you to help others in a time of much sorrow.

Anonymous said...

Unbeliveable!!!! I don't know how you did it. I would not have been able to make it through the service. You did a great job. That slideshow is beautiful. Thank you.

Thank you to the Jackson family. Your sacrifice means more than you could ever know. May God bless you and help you heal.

THANK YOU DUSTIN!!!!

Anonymous said...

Bro - as we just talked about yesterday, you have an amazing God-given talent (and it appears that I am not the only one who believes this per the 17 posts before mine...). God totally placed you along the path of Dustin's family for a reason and then used you to bring them compassion and comfort through your lens. I really believe in my heart that this experience is a turning point for you in what God has in store for you in your life.

Remember to seek first the kingdom of God!

We are praying for you bro!

Anonymous said...

Just beautiful Matt. The Jackson family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Rox said...

Simply beautiful. It is a wonderful tribute to a selfless man.

To the Jackson family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Denise Snyder said...

Matt, I've been a fan of your work and your blog for quite a while and after viewing this amazing tribute to that boy and the sacrifice he and his family have made for us, I felt compelled to let you know what a GIFT you have, and what a gift you have bestowed upon his family. God bless.

Ali said...

An amazing slideshow of an amazing young man. My heart and prayers go out to his loved ones.x

Unknown said...

A fitting tribute to a fallen soldier. With family of my own overseas, I know this must have meant a lot to the Jackson family.

Thank you so much for creating a thing of beauty out of this tragedy.

Kristen said...

Stunning. Just stunning.

Thank you, Jackson family.

Marlo Yoshimoto said...

Matt, this was an incredible and honorable tribute for Dustin Jackson and his family. Your work is simply stunning and deeply moving. It had me in tears in the end! I hope you don't mind if I share this on my site. I'm a huge fan!

Marlo

Matt Nicolosi said...

Thanks, Marlo.

Sure, go ahead and share this on your blog. The Jackson family is so precious, and I'm sure they are proud that so many people have recognized the sacrifice Dustin made and the honor and courage he showed.

Anonymous said...

Matt,
Grandpa would be proud.
What an amazing tribute to those who serve our country. Jen and I continue to be amazed at how you are able to speak volumes without words. We miss you.
Aaron

The Nielsen's said...

Wow... just wow... to see how young he was... so sad and tragic. Thank you for sharing this.

Preacherman said...

I was Dustin's chaplain when he was in Iraq. Every March 12th I think of him and the other two Soldiers who were killed in the rocket attack. This is a beautiful tribute to a great Soldier and true patriot.