The term hero is used more frequently today than it should be. A true hero stands for justice, heart, and doing what is right even when it may be the most difficult thing they will ever do. A hero can be difficult to find, but can also be found anywhere; they exist everywhere. From a police officer who makes a child smile, a firefighter who rescues a kitten from a tree, or a family member who is always there for everyone. There are many small everyday heroes who get little to no recognition, then there are few heroes who do something so amazing as to end up on the news or earn one of the most prestigious awards in the nation. US Army Sgt. First Class Leroy Arthur Petry is a true hero. He was awarded the Medal of Honor on July 12th, 2011 by President Barack Obama for his service in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. Already wounded, he lunged at a grenade to pick it up and throw it back just as it exploded, causing him to lose his hand, as shown in the photo, along with numerous other injuries. Through use of color, spacing, and focus this photo shows the real honor and respect that true American heroes deserve today, and forever. 

The use of color in this photo sets the tone for its message. The bright red of the American flag and the crisp white make up most of the background of this image. Having the American flag in the background really highlights how much of an American Hero Sgt. Petry is. The American flag also goes to show the true patriotism of Sgt. Petry’s act. Something the United States military prides itself in is the willingness to sacrifice in order to serve others. The sleeves and hands of the two men contrast greatly in color from the background. Petry’s sleeve on the left is a dark navy blue, embroidered with gold thread around the cuff and in four distinct lines. The color blue in this photo symbolizes, and is fitting to, the honor being bestowed on him that very day. Blue is also representative of loyalty and courage. President Obama’s sleeve is black, the color of mourning. Mourning for the lost appendages of the hero before him, but also for the lives lost every day in active duty. The silver of Petry’s prosthetic stands out most against the red and white of the American flag in the background. The cold metallic color produces feelings of remorse and sympathy among observers, and serves as a symbol for the sacrifices made every day to keep the American people safe. The warmer, more lifelike tones of the President’s hand can represent what the Sergeant sought to protect when he leapt and threw the grenade to protect his fellow men in arms. People in the military take an oath to protect and serve, and not only did Sergeant Petry do that in fighting overseas, he went above and beyond to protect not just the American people but his comrades as well. This is something President Obama could very much so appreciate.

In the photo President Obama is reaching out to shake Petry’s prosthetic hand. Part of what makes this photo so powerful, is the fact that they are not yet shaking hands. They are just a couple of inches away from their hands meeting in the middle. This small distance indicates the importance just a split second can make. If the former Army Ranger had been just a couple inches closer or farther away, the scene could have gone down differently, possibly for better or worse. Being that the hands are the focal points of the image, there is much about them that can be observed. Petry’s silver prosthetic hand reaching out for Obama’s real flesh and blood hand symbolizes the coming together of solider and countryman. Not everyone in the country meets a soldier in everyday life, especially one who has earned such high honors. Many Americans will not take the time to reach out to the country’s veterans and thank them for what they do and the sacrifice they made to protect the freedoms at home. This photo shows a meeting of these two bodies, military and civilian. 

The focal points of this photo are the hands of the two men, but more so the hand of Sergeant Petry. The red and white of the American flag in the background is out of focus, meaning that it is not the main focus of the image. The clarity of the hands of both the President and Petry further impact an observer and evokes a feeling of safety and appreciation for his service. The safety felt by the American people in the United States is not felt by those fighting overseas. The apparent cold temperature of Petry’s prosthetic hand should send a shiver of awareness down a viewer’s spine. For the viewer, also to know that the other hand belongs to President Barack Obama is a persuasive technique in and of itself. Seeing the prosthetic hand of a solider reaching out to shake the hand of the most important man in the United States of America shows what a very prestigious honor Sergeant Petry is receiving that day. In addition to the hand belonging to President Obama, it is also a real person’s hand, a welcoming feeling for someone who has just returned home. It is almost as if President Obama is shaking Sergeant Petry’s hand for the all the American people who wish they could. 

The United States if a land of the free because of the brave people like Medal of Honor recipient Leroy Petry. Without their dedication, heart, and bravery the nation would be far worse off. The photographers use of color, spacing and focus shows observers the sacrifices made every day for the safety of the American people, as well as the honor and respect deserved by those who serve. Through the red and white in the background of the American flag to highlight his patriotism, and the color of his sleeve to represent the honor, loyalty and tradition he upholds. From the mourning color of President Obama’s suit sleeve, to the shining gold embroidery of the Sergeant’s cuff, each small part of this photo contributes to its meaning. 
