Free Austin Tice

 "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

- Martin Luther King Jr.

Yesterday I was working for The Fletcher School at Tufts University at the National Press Club in downtown Washington, DC.

The National Press Club is a professional and social club for working journalists and communications professionals established in the early 1900's. 

For the second year in a row, I have supported the Career Day for the Fletcher students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (MALD) program.

The first time I entered the Press Club, I realized history was on the walls in terms of many signed photographs of notables. It's awe-inspiring to see Nelson Mandela's beautiful smile, prominently displayed next to General Mark Milley and above Serena Williams in full action on the tennis court.

That is what I love about photography. Each image is a story waiting to be told or to remind us of something or someone.

The Press Club has two large screen TVs in the foyer area and on them are scrolling pictures of journalists or photographers who have sacrificed their freedom or self for the sake of the profession.

I was reminded yesterday of one story in particular that caused me to pause.

US Marine Corps Veteran Brother, Austin Tice.

Austin was kidnapped on or about August 13, 2012, near Darraya, a suburb of Damascus, Syria. He was working as a freelance journalist and photographer for a variety of news organizations.

Just in case you didn't know, he has been held captive in Syria for 4212 days, that's over 11.5 years.

I applaud the Club for reminding us of every minute that has passed since his captivity.

Never forget.

You can read more about Austin's story here.