Harry Higgens identifies with two sets of individuals facing grave dangers in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Higgens, a World War I soldier, obviously would be concerned with American and Coalition armed forces in harm’s way.

But he also would embrace the 500-plus print and broadcast journalists now embedded with military units risking –and losing--their lives to terminate the regime of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

Higgens, after all, has been a patron saint of scribes since 1956. He knows the frustrations and hardships of both gathering news and soldering in hostile environments.

Several of his followers will have gathered Saturday to celebrate his memory.

And to honor colleagues armed with notepads, microphones, cameras—and lethal weapons. (30 MARCH 2003)