Army Spc. Christopher Michael Harris, 25, was tragically killed in action by a suicide bomber in August. Just days before his death, Harris learned that his wife, Britt, was pregnant with their first child. Now, Harris' comrades from the 82nd Airborne Division are honoring his memory with a touching photoshoot, The News & Observer reported.
“I was devastated, to say the least. I felt like I couldn’t breathe; my heart literally and physically hurt,” Harris, 26, told PEOPLE in April. “I didn’t want to eat, sleep or speak to anyone, but I made myself get up and keep going to make sure my pregnancy was healthy. I forced myself to be as healthy as I could no matter how bad I wanted to just lay in bed and cry.”
Britt shipped her husband's comrades a box containing the gender of their baby. The soldiers then filmed the gender reveal for Britt, which she used to announce the sex of her baby.
Baby Christian Michelle Harris was born on March 17th, the same day her father's unit returned from Afghanistan.
“The moment I saw Christian I cried and held her to my chest. I couldn’t believe she was finally in my arms,” Harris told PEOPLE. “I finally had something so beautiful that brought me the most amazing feeling.”
And, to make sure baby Christian knew how much of a hero her father was, Britt set up a photoshoot with the 82nd Airborne Division. Christian donned a white onesie that said, "My daddy's a hero." The photos incorporated Christopher's uniform and boots and also featured soldiers holding baby Christian.
The photoshoot was the first time the unit had met Britt, which gave them the opportunity to remember Christopher and his legacy.
The photos of baby Christian have gone viral, with many average Americans sharing the beauty behind them.
Wishing a blessed first #MothersDay to new Mommy Britt Harris and baby Christian Michelle Harris, wife and baby of Fallen Paratrooper Chris Harris.
— All American Division (@82ndABNDiv) May 13, 2018
Britt was 6-weeks pregnant when Chris laid down his life in Afghanistan.
Our little angel was born on March 17th. pic.twitter.com/6pRyKx0gQv
Christian Michelle Harris was born March 17, 2018. Her father Spc. Chris Harris was killed in Afghanistan last August.
— J?ST?R ? ?CTU?L³³º¹ (@th3j35t3r) June 1, 2018
This is her fathers brothers in arms tribute to him. pic.twitter.com/oTONHbCTtO
SPC Christopher Harris was killed in action in Afghanistan on August 2, 1 week after he learned his wife Britt was pregnant. The men & women who served alongside him have supported Britt ever since. Tuesday, they met baby Christian, born 3/17.
— David Daniel (@CNNLADavid) May 31, 2018
Photo credit: Pinehurst Photography pic.twitter.com/JxH6LXmRDj
Here’s something we should be sharing and retweeting — Army Specialist Chris Harris was killed in a suicide-bombing attack in Afghanistan only weeks after his wife learned she was pregnant. When his unit returned, they took some photos for his daughter to have when she grows up. pic.twitter.com/9RX1VLpLVv
— _ (@slammedmk6_) June 1, 2018
??The widow of Army Specialist Chris Harris and their newborn daughter had a special photo shoot with the men and women her husband bravely fought alongside of in Afghanistan.
— ABC13 Houston (@abc13houston) May 31, 2018
Watch the story here: https://t.co/l9WWVmvtyQ pic.twitter.com/5lmXn6L0GN
??The widow of Army Specialist Chris Harris and their newborn daughter had a special photo shoot with the men and women her husband bravely fought alongside of in Afghanistan.
— ABC13 Houston (@abc13houston) May 31, 2018
Watch the story here: https://t.co/l9WWVmvtyQ pic.twitter.com/5lmXn6L0GN
And some even remembered the ultimate sacrifice Harris and his family made.
“How proud were they who’s form beneath the poppies lay.” While some people are out drinking and cooking out I want to take time to remember Spc. Christopher M. Harris. Harris was KIA August 2, 2017 by an IED attack in Afghanistan. Jump in peace brother, til Valhalla. ???? pic.twitter.com/Y7nXwwqLnl
— Sam Knott (@samknott1911) May 28, 2018
Sargent Jonathon Michael Hunter, 23, and Specialist Christopher Michael Harris, 25, members of 2nd Battalion, 504th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. They were killed in Afghanistan in 2017. pic.twitter.com/wIufnHkQzL
— Keith Wilkerson (@WilkersonAutos) May 27, 2018
Join the conversation as a VIP Member