To our Troops, 2011
Isabelle Eshraghi decides to chronicle the honours ceremonies organized by the Army for its soldiers. During military funeral honours’ ceremonies or during religious funerals, the Army is bereaved and goes with the dead bodies on their way back home.
The photographer takes also an interest in soldier’s wives and families, real bases for those men going away for long term missions.
Cyril Louasil, 24, is the 58th French soldier killed in Afghanistan. The Marine died in a accidental explosion. Today, 70 French soldiers have died in Afghanistan.
“One more!” as Hélène says “means one more is missing !”
In Champagné, near Le Mans, I have met once again, the wives of the 2nd marines corps soldiers. Their husbands have left for a mission in Afghanistan, and the wives stand strong together, giving each other support until their husband return.
The soldiers’ wives are aware of the risk their husband are taking. They deal with it every day, Afghanistan is their constant fear. When bad news arrives, as the marine Cyril Louasil and Caporal Rivière’s recent death (both belonging to the 2nd RIMA), the fear re appears and the wives meet up in order to try to forget about it for a little while.
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