Have you seen this photo of this Bald Eagle resting on a gravestone? Here's the backstory behind this famous photo.

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 May 2015 16:11:10 -0400

The opportunity for a "once in a million" photo of a majestic Bald Eagle, resting in the early morning solitude on a gravestone at Fort Snelling National Cemetery has resonated with Veterans and patriots on a deeply personal level and is even generating a flurry of activity from various agencies within the Government as this viral photo continues to gain in popularity. For your enjoyment, here is the backstory and the buzz behind this now iconic image. May you all have a Blessed Memorial Day!

Photo of eagle on Fort Snelling gravestone touches hearts, goes viral

Requests for the photo of an eagle on a gravestone at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, and use of the story, have come from the Department of Veterans Affairs, military publications and Arlington National Cemetery.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 23 at 2015 4:11 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Sat, 23 May 2015 16:11:22 -0400

Great story --- thanks for posting this MAJ Private RallyPoint Member! Being that I am from that area (Hudson, WI), I find this particularly interesting.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2015 4:28 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 May 2015 16:28:59 -0400

There is a pair of eagles (with at least two chicks that I've seen) nesting not far away from my house. Nearly every day, I see them on the way home from work.
One morning, one of them had found a meal out of some roadkill (squirrel, I think) and was sitting in my yard picking it apart. Not expecting a 3-foot tall bird, it gave me a pretty good start. The thing didn't even budge. He just eyeballed me and waited for me to get out of "his" yard.
That is one badass bird.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made May 23 at 2015 5:00 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Sat, 23 May 2015 17:00:53 -0400

I've seen the photo many times, MAJ Private RallyPoint Member. Thanks for the story behind it.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 23 at 2015 6:10 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 23 May 2015 18:10:34 -0400

It is quite majestic.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made May 23 at 2015 6:35 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sat, 23 May 2015 18:35:17 -0400

Reading that inside story made my insides feel heavy with emotion. It is amazing that different people can see the samepicture and get totally different reads from it. Service members and veterans see the beauty and honor, whereas some punks might want to take a shot at the big bird, or certain special interest groups would say the cemetery is an eyesore and encroaching on the eagle's territory. I live next door to Davis Monthan and have A-10's flying through my living room almost every day. Hitomi "What that sound?" ........That's freedom, baby.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made May 23 at 2015 7:16 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Sat, 23 May 2015 19:16:24 -0400

I always assumed this image was Photoshopped!

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 23 at 2015 9:34 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sat, 23 May 2015 21:34:23 -0400

Great article, and backstory.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made May 24 at 2015 12:11 AM

LTC Stephen C. — Sun, 24 May 2015 00:11:34 -0400

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member, just pulled this off FB. Don't know the story behind this one either or even if it's real, but it's nonetheless a spectacular photo!

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 25 at 2015 12:44 AM

SPC Charles Brown — Mon, 25 May 2015 00:44:11 -0400

I have seen this awe inspiring picture before, but I had no idea about the back story. Thanks for sharing this. I would love to have a copy of this picture.