Tim Hetherington Square

Today, in the embattled Libyan enclave of Ajdabia, the town’s leading surgeon decided to name the largest town square after a Briton with a caring heart and eye.

“Tim Hetherington was one of the people transmitting the light of truth, proclaimed Dr. Suleiman Refardi. “The camera of Tim Hetherington is as strong as any cannon on the front. We have named the square after this hero and I now consider Tim as one of our martyrs.”

CJ Chivers wrote about the service in Benghazi that honored Tim, fellow photojournalist Chris Hondros, and a Ukrainian Doctor who died as well on Wednesday in Misurata.”

A Norwegian friend of mine traveled with Tim and Chris’ remains from Misurata to Benghazi, and was there for the memorial service. Twelve years ago, that same friend provided tremendous moral support as I was coping with being attacked on assignment in South Africa.

I never met Hondros or Hetherington, but was very, very familiar with their work. Friends and colleagues of mine over the years have been wounded, maimed and killed while trying to tell the stories in places across the globe. Others have been haunted by their experiences, and have a couple have taken their lives.

Sebastian Junger penned a tribute to his professional partner, which is a must read in Vanity Fair.