Posted: 02/01/2005
OVER IRAQ -- Senior Master Sgt. Dennis Martin rides in an Army UH-60 Blackhawk to document Ashura in Iraq on Feb. 19. Ashura, the 10th day of Moharram, is when thousands gather to mourn the killing 13 centuries ago of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed. Ashura is the holiest day in the Shiite calendar. This is the second year for this event here because former president Saddam Hussein had not allowed Shias to participate for more than 30 years. Sergeant Martin is a videographer from the 4th Combat Camera Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Dave Ahlschwede)