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Fort Bragg Soldiers Take Photos With Their Fallen Comrade's Newborn Baby To Honor His Memory

Beth Baumann
Beth Baumann  |  June 04, 2018 12:00 PM

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.”

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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.

And some even remembered the ultimate sacrifice Harris and his family made.